Softball Game Preview: Valley Forge Patriots vs. Lakewood Rangers

Valley Forge hasn't had much luck against Lakewood recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Patriots will be playing in front of their home fans against the Rangers at 5:00 p.m. Valley Forge has given up an average of 18.3 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Valley Forge is headed into Tuesday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their eighth straight game dating back to last season on Monday. They came up short against Bay, falling 20-7. Patriots fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Rockets since on Monday.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Lakewood, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Wednesday. They never let North Olmsted get on the board and left with a 3-0 victory on Saturday.

Ella Bower was a major factor no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out nine over seven innings pitched. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and one RBI. Those doubles were her first of the season.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Emily Gillick, who scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances. She also put up a triple, which was her first of the season.

Lakewood's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 4-2. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.7 runs over those games. As for Valley Forge, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-6.

Valley Forge might still be hurting after the 11-0 loss they got from Lakewood in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Will the Patriots have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.