Softball Preview: Ridge Point Panthers vs. Dobie Longhorns
The Ridge Point Panthers will head out on the road to square off against the Dobie Longhorns at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Ridge Point is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 9.7 runs per game this season.
Last Tuesday, Ridge Point came up short against Fort Bend Travis and fell 12-9.
Sara Beth Groen was cooking despite her team's loss, going 4-for-4 with four RBI, a triple, and a run. Another player making a difference was Abi Parker, who went 2-for-3 with a triple, a run, and an RBI.
Meanwhile, Dobie scored the most runs they've had all season to find success on Tuesday. They were the clear victor by an 18-0 margin over South Houston. The result was nothing new for Dobie, who have now won 11 matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Jackie Peralta was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (and only one walk). Peralta has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive pitching appearances. Peralta was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with an RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Persephone Soria, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 1-for-2. Katarina Lopez was another key contributor, scoring three runs and stealing two bases.
Ridge Point's loss dropped their record down to 15-10. As for Dobie, the victory was the fifth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 18-12.
Friday's contest will be a test for both team's pitchers. Ridge Point hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .426. However, it's not like Dobie struggles in that department as they've averaged .324. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Ridge Point skirted past Dobie 7-5 when the teams last played back in February of 2017. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was Dobie's Michelle Kristoff, who struck out eight batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and six unearned) runs off six hits. Now that she won't be playing on Friday, will it be that much easier for Ridge Point to walk away with another win? There's only one way to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
