Softball Game Preview: Hollister Haybalers vs. Watsonville Wildcatz

The Hollister Haybalers will head out to face off against the Watsonville Wildcatz at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Neither of those teams managed to put together many runs in their previous contests, so the offenses might be a little more motivated than usual.

Monterey hit Hollister with a 12-run sixth inning on Monday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Haybalers came up short against the Dores, falling 17-2. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since May 5, 2023, but that streak is no more.

Maddy Rodriguez made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 3-for-3 with one triple and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Grace Peffley, who went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases and two runs.

Meanwhile, Watsonville fell victim to Everett Alvarez and their airtight pitching crew on Monday. They took a 3-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Eagles. The defeat continues a trend for the Wildcatz in their meetings with the Eagles: they've now lost four in a row.

Hollister's loss was their third straight at home, which dropped their record down to 13-11. As for Watsonville, their defeat dropped their record down to 12-12.

Hollister's speedy runners might be the difference in Wednesday's matchup. The Haybalers have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.7 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Watsonville, though, as they've been averaging only 1.4 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Hollister continue to outrun the ball?

Everything went Hollister's way against Watsonville when the teams last played back in April, as Hollister made off with a 7-1 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Haybalers since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.