Softball Game Preview: Franklin Monroe Jets vs. Newton Local Indians

Franklin Monroe hasn't had much luck against Newton Local recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Jets will challenge the Indians at 5:00 p.m. Franklin Monroe has given up an average of 14.9 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Franklin Monroe is headed into Thursday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their sixth straight game on Tuesday. They came up short against Tri-County North, falling 21-0. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Jets have suffered against the Panthers since May 2, 2018.

While Newton Local didn't have the best season last year (they finished 5-11), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They put the hurt on Troy Christian with a sharp 12-0 win on Wednesday. The victory continues a trend for the Indians in their matchups with the Eagles: they've now won four in a row.

Newton Local pushed their record up to 7-3 with the win, which was their sixth straight on the road. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.8 runs over those games. As for Franklin Monroe, their loss dropped their record down to 1-7.

Franklin Monroe couldn't quite get it done against Newton Local in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 as they fell 7-2. Can the Jets avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.