Softball Game Preview: Riverside Bulldogs vs. Water Valley Blue Devils

The Riverside Bulldogs will take on the Water Valley Blue Devils at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Riverside has five straight wins, Water Valley has seven straight losses), but none of that matters once you're on the field.

Riverside gave up the first runs last Saturday, but they didn't let that get them down. They blew past Clarksdale 11-1. The result was nothing new for the Bulldogs, who have now won 16 matches by six runs or more so far this season.

The team relied heavily on Ann Brilye Hankins, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one triple, two RBI, and one double. Sydney Sheppeard was another key player, scoring a run and stealing three bases.

Riverside always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .700. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .536 or higher in four consecutive games.

Meanwhile, Monday just wasn't the day for Water Valley's offense. They lost 17-0 to Vardaman on Monday.

Riverside pushed their record up to 18-5 with the victory, which was their fourth straight at home. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.0 run on average over those games. As for Water Valley, their defeat dropped their record down to 11-15.

Saturday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Riverside has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .586. However, it's not like Water Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .528. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.