Softball Game Preview: Chester Yellowjackets vs. Red Bud Musketeers

Chester hasn't had much luck against Red Bud recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Yellowjackets will face off against the Musketeers at 4:30 p.m. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.

Chester was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last match, but they sure didn't let that happen against Dupo on Wednesday. The Yellowjackets were the clear victors by a 12-6 margin over the Tigers. The Yellowjackets might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five contests by six runs or more this season.

Elaina Lutman was a standout: she scored three runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-4. What's more, she posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in March. Camryn Wolff also deserves some recognition as she launched her first home run of the season.

Meanwhile, Red Bud hadn't done well against Pinckneyville recently (they were 0-5 in their previous five matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Wednesday. The Musketeers put the hurt on the Panthers with a sharp 8-2 victory. The Musketeers are also no stranger to big wins: their blowout was the third game they've won by 6+ runs this season.

Olivia Geralds spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on seven hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Peyton Kreher, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Another player making a difference was Ava Wagner, who scored two runs while going 3-for-3.

Chester's record now sits at 8-3. As for Red Bud, their record is now 7-2.

Chester couldn't quite finish off Red Bud in their previous matchup on Tuesday and fell 5-3. Can the Yellowjackets avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.