Softball Game Preview: Phillips Loggers vs. Mellen Grainte Diggers

The Phillips Loggers will head out on the road to face off against the Mellen Grainte Diggers at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Phillips came into their game on Friday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They came up short against Edgar, falling 10-0. The game marked the first time this year in which the Loggers were not able to get on the board.

Mellen came out on top against Drummond on Thursday thanks in part to the team's impressive six-run sixth inning. The Grainte Diggers were the clear victors by a 12-1 margin over the Lumberjacks. Considering the Grainte Diggers have won seven contests by more than eight runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.

Maleah Nortunen made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out 11 over six innings pitched. Those 11 strikeouts gave her a new career-high. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last five games she's played.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Kaylee Erickson, who went 1-for-4 with one triple, two RBI, and one run. Isabella Weil also deserves some recognition as she got her first hit of the season.

Mellen's win ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 8-7. As for Phillips, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 13-9 record this season.

Phillips suffered a grim 15-6 defeat to Mellen in their previous matchup back in April. Can the Loggers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.