Softball Game Preview: Central Noble Cougars vs. Eastside Blazers

The Central Noble Cougars will head out to take on the Eastside Blazers at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Central Noble is coming into the game hot, having won their last eight games.

Eastside's hitters are going to have their work cut out for them on Tuesday: Central Noble hadn't allowed a single run the last four times they've hit the field. The Cougars skirted past Columbia City 2-0. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Cougars have posted since May 14, 2024.

Grace Swank

Batters Struck Out

05/16/25 @ Columbia City	15
05/12/25 @ North Miami	14
05/10/25 vs Adams Central	13
05/08/25 vs Lakeland	15
05/06/25 @ Garrett	19
05/05/25 @ Fairfield	5

The result came thanks to Grace Swank's shutout, as she gave up just a hit and racked up 15 Ks. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in six consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Avery Deter was excellent, going 1-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base.

Meanwhile, Eastside was able to grind out a solid win over Lakeland on Monday, taking the game 7-3. The victory continues a trend for the Blazers in their matchups with the Lakers: they've now won seven in a row.

Central Noble pushed their record up to 16-4 with the win, which was their fifth straight on the road. The road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.8 runs on average over those games. As for Eastside, their record now sits at 20-4.

Central Noble might still be hurting after the 8-1 defeat they got from Eastside in their previous matchup back in April. Can the Cougars avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.