Softball Game Preview: Smithfield Sentinels vs. Coventry Oakers

Smithfield hasn't had much luck against Coventry recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Sentinels will host the Oakers at 5:00 p.m. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Smithfield 3.2, Coventry 4) so any runs scored will be well earned.

Smithfield is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Rhode Island's top teams: Pilgrim, who was ranked second at the time (Smithfield was ranked sixth). The Sentinels fell 3-0 to the Patriots on Monday. Having soared to a lofty ten runs in the game before, the Sentinels' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.

Meanwhile, Coventry has relied on a stalwart pitchers averaging four runs allowed per game, but that average took a hit on Monday. They lost 11-1 to La Salle Academy. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last four times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.

Coventry has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 8-4 record this season. As for Smithfield, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-4.

Smithfield couldn't quite get it done against Coventry when the teams last played back in April of 2024 as they fell 4-1. Can the Sentinels avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.