Softball Recap: Pioneer Comes Up Short

Pioneer had lost 14 straight on the road dating back to last season, but on Friday they dropped their record down to 5-13 to make it 15. They lost 9-1 to the Piedmont Hills Pirates. Having soared to a lofty 15 runs in the game before, the Mustangs couldn't push the score so high this time.

Pioneer saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Olivia Krump, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base.

As for Piedmont Hills, the win was the sixth in a row for them, bringing their record up to 16-4. Considering they have won 12 matches by more than six runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

On Piedmont Hills' side, Ava Martinez made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. Martinez has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than one walk in nine consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.

In other batting news, Piedmont Hills let Leilani Ortiz and Isabella Paskert run wild. Ortiz went a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and one run, while Paskert went a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases and three runs. That's the most hits Ortiz has posted since back in March. Danie Pacheco was another key player, earning one RBI, one run, and three stolen bases.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Pioneer will welcome Silver Creek at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. The Raiders have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 10.45 runs per game on average), something the Mustangs will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for Piedmont Hills, they will be playing at home against Prospect at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The Pirates will need to watch out since the Panthers have now posted at least ten runs in their last four contests.