Softball Preview: Kearns Cougars vs. Cottonwood Colts
The Kearns Cougars will be playing in front of their home fans against the Cottonwood Colts at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Kearns is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 11 runs per game this season.
Kearns put the finishing touches on their fourth blowout victory of the season on Wednesday. They were the clear victor by a 19-2 margin over Highland. The victory was just what Kearns needed coming off of an 18-1 loss in their prior matchup.
Kallie Stocking made a splash while hitting and pitching. She struck out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and only one walk). Stocking has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive pitching appearances. Stocking was also solid in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-2.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Haylee Heaton, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3. Maliyah Solomon was another key contributor, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-2.
Meanwhile, Wednesday just wasn't the day for Cottonwood's offense. They suffered a tough 16-0 defeat at the hands of Murray on Wednesday. Cottonwood has not had much luck with Murray recently, as the team's come up short the last two times they've met.
Kearns' win ended an eight-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 6-2. As for Cottonwood, their loss dropped their record down to 2-5.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Kearns has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.2 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Cottonwood struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.3. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Everything went Kearns' way against Cottonwood when the teams last played back in May of 2018 as Kearns made off with a 6-0 victory. Will Kearns repeat their success, or does Cottonwood have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
