Softball Game Preview: Richland Bombers vs. Kennewick Lions

Richland has gone 9-1 against Kennewick recently and they'll look to pad the win column further on Friday. The Bombers will be playing at home against the Lions at 4:00 p.m. Richland is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 11.2 runs per game this season.

Richland came out on top against Hermiston on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run third inning. The Bombers were the clear victors by a 7-1 margin over the Bulldogs. The Bombers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won ten games by six runs or more this season.

Ali Evans

Batters Struck Out

04/22/25 @ Hermiston	8
04/19/25 @ North Creek	8
04/15/25 @ Hanford	12
04/08/25 vs Hanford	10
04/04/25 @ Kamiakin	14

Ali Evans spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on five hits and racked up eight Ks. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than eight strikeouts in five consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Richland got a big performance out of Payton Chacon, who went 3-for-5 with one stolen base and one run. Sophia Sams was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run.

They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Richland kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in ten consecutive contests.

Chiawana hit Kennewick with a four-run fifth inning on Tuesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Lions lost 10-1 to the Riverhawks. The match marked the Lions' lowest-scoring game so far this season.

Richland's victory bumped their record up to 15-1. As for Kennewick, their defeat was their fifth straight at home, which dropped their record down to 7-10.

Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Richland hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .436. However, it's not like Kennewick struggles in that department as they've averaged .321. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Richland took their win against Kennewick in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 16-0 score. Will the Bombers repeat their success, or do the Lions have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.