Softball Game Preview: Hollins Royals vs. Pinellas Park Patriots

The Hollins Royals are taking a road trip to challenge the Pinellas Park Patriots at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Hollins has given up an average of 8.5 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.

Hollins is headed into Thursday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Tuesday. They lost 11-2 to Osceola. The matchup marked the Royals' lowest-scoring game so far this season.

Gianna Close was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one double and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Ava Vargas, who scored two runs while going 1-for-2.

Meanwhile, Pinellas Park came up short against Canterbury on Saturday and fell 8-4.

Danielle Overman made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, one double, and one RBI. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last four games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Khloe Birk, who scored two runs while going 3-for-4.

Hollins' loss dropped their record down to 2-4. As for Pinellas Park, they now have a losing record of 2-3.

The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Hollins has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.7 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Pinellas Park struggles in that department as they've been averaging 2.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.

Hollins took their win against Pinellas Park when the teams last played back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 15-6. Does Hollins have another victory up their sleeve, or will Pinellas Park turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.