Softball Game Preview: Pacifica Tritons vs. Rio Mesa Spartans

Pacifica is 0-10 against Rio Mesa since April of 2021 but things could change on Friday. The Pacifica Tritons will head out to square off against the Rio Mesa Spartans at 3:30 p.m.

Pacifica is headed into Friday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Tuesday. They came up short against Rio Mesa, falling 9-1.

For Rio Mesa's part, Analia Lopez made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out 15 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and only one walk). Lopez has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-5.

In other batting news, Rio Mesa let Samantha Barraza and Jazlynn Gonzalez run wild. Barraza went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double, while Gonzalez scored two runs while going 3-for-4. Those two RBI gave Barraza a new career-high. Alyssa Diaz also deserves some recognition as she got her first hits of the season.

Rio Mesa was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .444. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.

Rio Mesa's victory was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 7-2. A key ingredient in that success has been their performance when it comes to hits: they averaged an imposing 10.5 hits in those games compared to only 5.6 in the others. As for Pacifica, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-5.

Both the two teams just can't seem to miss. Pacifica has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 10.1 hits per game. However, it's not like Rio Mesa struggles in that department as they've been averaging only 4.7 hits. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.