Softball Game Preview: Middletown Middie Bears vs. Newburgh Free Academy Goldbacks

The Middletown Middie Bears are taking a road trip to square off against the Newburgh Free Academy Goldbacks at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

On Tuesday, Middletown came up short against Monroe-Woodbury and fell 7-2.

Middletown saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Gabriella Diaz, who went 1-for-3 with one run.

Newburgh Free Academy couldn't beat Pine Bush on Tuesday even though they stacked four runs on them in the sixth inning. The Goldbacks lost 20-7 to the Bushmen. Goldbacks fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Bushmen since on Tuesday.

Parker Mullarkey made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and got on base in all five of her plate appearances with five RBI, one stolen base, and one run. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games she's played. Madison Gravel also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.

Middletown has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-6 record this season. As for Newburgh Free Academy, their loss ended a three-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 7-7.

Newburgh Free Academy's hitters will have their work cut out for them on Wednesday. Middletown has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.2 strikeouts per game. It's a different story for Newburgh Free Academy, though, as they've been averaging only 3 strikeouts. Will Middletown keep running through batters, or will the Goldbacks buck the trend?

Middletown couldn't quite get it done against Newburgh Free Academy in their previous matchup two weeks ago as they fell 7-3. Can the Middie Bears avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.