Softball Preview: ThunderRidge Grizzlies vs. Highlands Ranch Falcons
ThunderRidge has enjoyed a four-game homestand but will soon have to dust off their road jerseys. They will challenge the Highlands Ranch Falcons at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. ThunderRidge is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.9 runs per game this season.
On Monday, ThunderRidge had just enough and edged Rock Canyon out 7-6.
Aubrey Conant and Meredith O'Neil did most of the damage at the plate: Conant scored two runs while going 3-for-4, while O'Neil scored a run and stole three bases while going 2-for-3. What's more, O'Neil also racked up no strikeouts, the fewestshe's had since back in September. Rowan Daufeldt was another key player, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.
ThunderRidge was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .441. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .310 or higher in nine consecutive games.
Meanwhile, it was a Battle of the Birds when Highlands Ranch took on Mountain Vista on Monday. Highlands Ranch lost 7-1 to Mountain Vista. The Falcons have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Belle Andrews spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered five earned (and two unearned) runs on 11 hits and racked up eight Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Chloe Brill made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored a run and stole a base while going 3-for-3. What's more, she also racked up three hits, the mostshe's had since back in August of 2023.
ThunderRidge is on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four matchups, which provided a massive bump to their 9-12 record this season. As for Highlands Ranch, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-15.
Fans could be in store for some top-tier slugging on Wednesday. ThunderRidge hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.5 home runs per game. However, it's not like Highlands Ranch struggles in that department as they've been averaging 0.5. With so much power on both teams, it'll be down to the pitchers to keep the mound locked down.
ThunderRidge was able to grind out a solid victory over Highlands Ranch in their previous matchup back in October of 2023, winning 9-5. Does ThunderRidge have another victory up their sleeve, or will Highlands Ranch turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
