Softball Game Preview: Rocky River Pirates vs. Normandy Invaders

Rocky River hasn't had much luck against Normandy recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Pirates will be playing in front of their home fans against the Invaders at 5:00 p.m. Neither Rocky River nor Normandy posted many runs in their last games, so it might be the pitching crews that decide this one.

Rocky River lost 8-2 to Westlake on Wednesday.

Reagan Kane

Batters Struck Out

04/30/25 vs Westlake	8
04/29/25 @ Valley Forge	13
04/17/25 @ Bay	12
04/15/25 vs North Olmsted	15

Reagan Kane spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and six unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up eight Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than eight strikeouts in four consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Rocky River saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Maddie Sollars, who went 1-for-2 with two RBI.

Meanwhile, Normandy came up short against Bay on Wednesday and fell 5-2.

Lizzie Skidmore was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double.

Rocky River's defeat dropped their record down to 7-5. As for Normandy, they have been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-8 record this season.

Normandy's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Rocky River has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .473. It's a different story for Normandy, though, as they've only averaged .332. Will they be able to contain Rocky River's hitters?

Rocky River couldn't quite get it done against Normandy in their previous meeting back in May of 2024 as they fell 6-2. Can the Pirates avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.