Softball Game Preview: Pasquotank County Panthers vs. Manteo Redskins

The Pasquotank County Panthers will head out on the road to take on the Manteo Redskins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Pasquotank County has given up an average of 9.1 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Pasquotank County came up short against Manteo on Tuesday, falling 16-5. The Panthers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

For Manteo's part, Makenna Gray was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out nine batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off one hit. Gray has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4. Those two runs gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Bella Huntingford, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3. She also hit a double, marking her first of the season. Haleigh Stokes was another key player, going 1-for-2 with one triple, two RBI, and one run.

Manteo always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .575. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Pasquotank County only posted an OBP of .296.

Manteo has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 10-4 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.0 runs over those games. As for Pasquotank County, they now have a losing record of 4-5.

Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Pasquotank County has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .520. However, it's not like Manteo struggles in that department as they've averaged .476. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.