Softball Game Preview: Avenal Buccaneers vs. Mendota Aztecs

The Avenal Buccaneers are taking a road trip to face off against the Mendota Aztecs at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Avenal is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.3 runs per game this season.

Avenal will roll into the matchup after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up two runs on Friday, then bounced right back against Firebaugh on Tuesday. The Buccaneers blew past the Eagles 12-3. The win continues a trend for the Buccaneers in their matchups with the Eagles: they've now won four in a row.

Khloe Nieto

Batters Struck Out

05/06/25 vs Firebaugh	6
05/02/25 vs Coalinga	1
04/29/25 @ Dos Palos	2
04/22/25 vs Mendota	4
05/15/24 vs Santa Maria	3
+ 4 more games

Khloe Nieto and Emma Morales were major factors no matter where they played. On the mound, Nieto struck out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and not a single walk). Meanwhile, Morales pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. That's the most strikeouts Nieto has posted since back in April of 2024. At the plate, Nieto got on base in two of her four plate appearances with four stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs, while Morales went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases and one run.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Natalia Ruiz, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with three stolen bases, two runs, and one triple. Lauryn Lucero was another key player, getting on base in two of her four plate appearances with two stolen bases and three runs.

Coalinga hit Mendota with a five-run second inning on Tuesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Aztecs lost 13-3 to the Horned Toads. The Aztecs have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Avenal's record is now 16-6-1. As for Mendota, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-18.

Avenal beat Mendota 8-3 in their previous matchup two weeks ago. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Buccaneers since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.