Softball Preview: Weld Central Rebels vs. University Bulldogs
The Weld Central Rebels will head out to face off against the University Bulldogs at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Weld Central is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.9 runs per game this season.
Weld Central will roll into the contest after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up two runs on Tuesday, then bounced right back against Platte Valley on Thursday. Weld Central came out on top against Platte Valley by a score of 12-2 (the very same score they lost by in their prior game).
Annastasia Hernandez made a splash no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out six over five innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in August. She was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.
In other batting news, Jennisa Hale was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing three bases while going 2-for-4. Another player making a difference was Ali Weber, who scored a run while going 2-for-4.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, Weld Central didn't let batters stay on the plate for long and finished the game with six strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Platte Valley only tossed three.
Meanwhile, University came tearing into Thursday's game with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 7.3 runs) and they left with even more momentum. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Lions a 7-0 shutout. The Bulldogs might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven matches by seven runs or more this season.
Like Weld Central, University also got a great game from a two-way player: Jasi Cole. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and only one hit while striking out 15 over seven innings pitched. Cole has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in six consecutive pitching appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.
In other batting news, Ellie Baca was excellent, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in two of her four plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Kenzie Wyatt, who went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.
Weld Central's victory ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 5-10. As for University, their win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 9-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Weld Central has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like University struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.7. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Weld Central suffered a grim 10-2 defeat to University in their previous meeting back in September of 2023. Can Weld Central avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
