Softball Game Preview: Cobden Appleknockers vs. Dongola Demons

The Cobden Appleknockers will look to take advantage of their home field for the first time this season as they take on the Dongola Demons at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Cobden has given up an average of 6.8 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Cobden came up short against Trico on Friday, falling 13-1. The Appleknockers have struggled against the Pioneers recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive lost meeting.

Meanwhile, Dongola was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were two runs away from ending the streak, but they lost a 5-3 heartbreaker at the hands of Shawnee.

Abigail Lang spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and two unearned) runs on seven hits.

On the hitting side, Dongola saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Kali Short, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-4. Short is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: she's snagged at least one every time she's taken the field this season. Honor Sheppard was another, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.

Cobden's defeat dropped their record down to 2-2. As for Dongola, their loss dropped their record down to 1-3.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Cobden has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Dongola struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 6.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.