Softball Preview: Panguitch Bobcats vs. Wayne Badgers
The Panguitch Bobcats will look to defend their home field in Tuesday's first game against the Wayne Badgers at 3:30 p.m. Panguitch has a tough task ahead: they'll enter the match with three straight losses, while Wayne will come in with three straight wins.
On Monday, Panguitch suffered a tough 21-4 defeat at the hands of Kanab.
Kadee Harland was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Jocelyn Certonio, who scored a run and stole a base while going 3-for-3.
Meanwhile, everything went Wayne's way against Monticello in Friday's second game as Wayne made off with a 19-1 victory. That looming 19-1 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for Wayne yet this season.
Rylan Taylor was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up just one earned run off five hits (she also only allowed one walk). Taylor was even better at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. She has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times she's played.
In other batting news, Wayne got a massive performance out of MaKayla Jones, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs, a triple, and a stolen base. Jones is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now stolen at least one in the last three games she's played. Another player making a difference was Cassie Rees, who scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances.
Panguitch's loss dropped their record down to 4-8. As for Wayne, their win bumped their record up to 3-5.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Panguitch has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .556. However, it's not like Wayne struggles in that department as they've averaged .552. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Panguitch came up short against Wayne when the teams last played back in April of 2023, falling 14-11. Can Panguitch avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
