Softball Game Preview: McKinney North Bulldogs vs. Melissa Cardinals

McKinney North is 0-4 against Melissa since March of 2023 but things could change on Friday. The McKinney North Bulldogs will look to defend their home field against the Melissa Cardinals at 6:45 p.m. McKinney North has given up an average of 11.2 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.

McKinney North is headed into Friday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Tuesday. They lost 16-0 to Walnut Grove.

Meanwhile, Melissa put another one in the bag on Tuesday to keep their perfect season alive. They never let Lovejoy get on the board and left with a 10-0 win. The result was nothing new for the Cardinals, who have now won 16 contests by six runs or more so far this season.

Eloisa Maes tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up a single earned run in 12 consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Finlee Williams was a standout: she scored two runs while going 3-for-3. That's the most hits she has posted since back in February. The team also got some help courtesy of Hutton(Lulu) Adrian, who got on base in all three of her plate appearances with one home run and two RBI.

Melissa always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .542. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Lovejoy only posted an OBP of .222.

Melissa's victory was their 15th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 19-0. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.2 runs on average over those games. As for McKinney North, their loss dropped their record down to 1-13.

McKinney North suffered a grim 15-0 defeat to Melissa in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Will McKinney North have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.