Softball Game Preview: Columbia Central Lions vs. Coffee County Central Red Raiders

Columbia Central hasn't had much luck against Coffee County Central recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Lions will challenge the Red Raiders at 6:00 p.m. Columbia Central's pitching crew has only allowed 3.9 runs per game this season, so Coffee County Central's hitters will have their work cut out for them.

Columbia Central's usually-dominant pitching crew will be looking to make up for Thursday's struggle, when Spring Hill hitters got past them. The Lions came up short against the Raiders on Thursday, falling 15-0. Lions fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Raiders since on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Coffee County Central earned a 5-2 victory over Columbia Central on Monday. The Red Raiders haven't had any issues with the Lions recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.

Lily Norman made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out 15 batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off four hits (and not a single walk). That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in March. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one home run.

In other pitching news, Yeidy Cruz looked comfortable as she tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.

Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Paisley Campbell, who went 1-for-3 with one home run. Savannah Cooper also deserves some recognition as she launched her first home run of the season.

Coffee County Central's record is now 21-12. As for Columbia Central, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 16-11.

Columbia Central couldn't quite get it done against Coffee County Central when the teams last played on Monday as they fell 5-2. Can the Lions avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.