Softball Preview: Thomson Bulldogs vs. Burke County Bears
The Thomson Bulldogs will head out to square off against the Burke County Bears at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the two teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Thomson is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They blew past Laney 18-1 on Thursday. With that win, the Bulldogs brought their scoring average up to 7.3 runs per game.
Chloe Smith made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one hit in three consecutive pitching appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 1-for-2. She also put up a hit, which washer first of the season.
In other batting news, Janiya Scott was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. Kamora Bradshaw also deserves some recognition as she brought in her first RBI of the season.
Meanwhile, Burke County entered their tilt with Glenn Hills on Tuesday with two consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with three. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Spartans a 17-0 shutout. The result was nothing new for the Bears, who have now won three matchups by nine runs or more so far this season.
Maddox Russell was a standout: she scored two runs and stole two bases while going 1-for-1. The team also got some help courtesy of Braylin Fare, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-2.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, Burke County was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .818. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .348 or higher in three consecutive games.
Thomson's victory ended a six-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 2-5. As for Burke County, their record is now 3-5.
Tuesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Thomson has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of 0. However, it's not like Burke County struggles in that department as they've averaged 0. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Thomson took their win against Burke County in their previous matchup back in October of 2023 by a conclusive 14-6. The rematch might be a little tougher for Thomson since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
