Softball Game Preview: Portsmouth Trojans vs. Rock Hill Redmen

Portsmouth and Rock Hill are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2017, but likely not for long. The Trojans will square off against the Redmen at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The two teams each escaped (but just barely!) with wins against their previous opponents.

Portsmouth gave up the first runs on Monday, but they didn't let that get them down. They narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past Gallia Academy 9-7. The victory continues a trend for the Trojans in their matchups with the Blue Devils: they've now won six in a row.

Katie Ankrom

Batters Struck Out

04/28/25 @ Gallia Academy	8
04/23/25 vs Dawson-Bryant	10
04/22/25 vs Green	11
04/21/25 vs Fairland	8
04/19/25 vs Eastern	5
+ 3 more games

Katie Ankrom was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and four unearned) runs off seven hits (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in eight consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024.

In other batting news, Karlee Galloway was excellent, going 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April. Kya Barton was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one RBI.

Portsmouth kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are 6-1 when they post 11 or more hits.

Meanwhile, Rock Hill had already won three in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 3 runs) and they went ahead and made it four on Wednesday. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 3-2 W against the Dragons. The game was the first time the Redmen have beaten the Dragons on their field since April 26, 2022.

Portsmouth's record is now 8-11. As for Rock Hill, the win got them back to even at 9-9.

Portsmouth came out on top in a nail-biter against Rock Hill when the teams last played two weeks ago, sneaking past 7-6. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Trojans since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.