Softball Game Preview: Buckeye Hawks vs. Greenway Demons

Buckeye is 0-3 against Greenway since April of 2017 but things could change on Friday. The Hawks will head out on the road to challenge the Demons at 7:00 p.m. Buckeye is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.8 runs per game this season.

Thursday just wasn't the day for Buckeye's offense. They came up short against Canyon View on Thursday, falling 8-0. That's two games in a row now that the Hawks have lost by exactly eight runs.

Meanwhile, Greenway fought the good fight in their extra-innings contest against Paradise Honors on Wednesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Panthers by a score of 6-4. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since May 6, 2023, but that streak is no more.

Madison Bailey was huge no matter where she played even without the win. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over eight innings while giving up six earned runs off ten hits (and only one walk). Bailey was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with two stolen bases and one run.

Bailey wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Bella Morris, who went 1-for-4 with one stolen base, one double, and one RBI.

Greenway's defeat ended a 15-game streak of wins at home dating back to last season and dropped them to 15-8-1. As for Buckeye, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 13-8.

Friday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Buckeye hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .389. However, it's not like Greenway struggles in that department as they've averaged .383. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Buckeye might still be hurting after the 6-0 loss they got from Greenway in their previous meeting back in April of 2022. Can the Hawks avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.