Softball Game Preview: Manchester Blue Devils vs. Shaw Raiders

Manchester hasn't had much luck against Shaw recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Blue Devils will head out to face off against the Raiders at 5:00 p.m. Manchester has given up an average of 16.2 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Manchester had taken Hardaway down for three straight games at home, but that winning streak came to an end on Monday. The Blue Devils came up short against the Hawks, falling 18-8. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Blue Devils have suffered against the Hawks since August 8, 2015.

Addison Painter made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 1-for-2 with six stolen bases and two runs. Quaniyah Bunkley was another key player, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs.

Meanwhile, Shaw came up short against Brookstone on Tuesday and fell 10-6.

Michayla Bledsoe was cooking despite her team's loss, going 3-for-4 with one home run, two stolen bases, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Ava Gerber, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base.

Shaw's loss dropped their record down to 0-4. As for Manchester, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-3.

The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Wednesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Manchester has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 8.5 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Shaw struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.2 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.

Manchester suffered a grim 13-0 defeat to Shaw in their previous meeting back in August of 2024. Can the Blue Devils avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.