Softball Game Preview: Payette Pirates vs. Cole Valley Christian Chargers

For the second straight game, Payette will face off against Cole Valley Christian. The Pirates will be playing in front of their home fans against the Chargers at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Payette has given up an average of 11.8 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Payette had been on a three-game streak of scoring at least ten runs, but Cole Valley Christian put an end to it on Monday. The Pirates came up short against the Chargers, falling 19-0. The game marked the first time this season in which the Pirates were not able to get on the board.

For Cole Valley Christian's part, Karlie Barnum made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out nine over four innings pitched. Barnum has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in six consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with four RBI, one triple, and one double. That triple was her first of the season.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Lauren Colson, who fired off three home runs, four runs, and four RBI while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances. That's the most RBI she has posted over her last 11 contests. The team also got some help courtesy of Lola Crosby, who scored three runs and stole three bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.

Cole Valley Christian was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .536. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .448 or higher in five consecutive matchups.

Cole Valley Christian's win was their 13th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 14-3. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.2 runs over those games. As for Payette, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost seven of their last eight games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-10 record this season.