Softball Game Preview: Spring Creek Spartans vs. Churchill County Greenwave

For the second straight game, Spring Creek will face off against Churchill County. The Spartans will square off against the Greenwave at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Spring Creek has now lost eight straight, leaving the team hunting for their first win since the 8th.

Churchill County hit Spring Creek with a eight-run second inning on Friday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Spartans lost 14-4 to the Greenwave.

For Churchill County's part, Janessa Bettencourt made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over five innings while giving up four earned runs off seven hits (and not a single walk). Bettencourt has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with two runs and two RBI.

In other batting news, Kalaya Downs and Taraylynn Vershum did most of the damage at the plate: Downs went a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI, while Vershum went 2-for-4 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three RBI. Those four hits gave Downs a new career-high. Dana Buckmaster was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.

Churchill County always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .606. They are a perfect 9-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.

Churchill County's win was their sixth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 15-10. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.8 runs over those games. As for Spring Creek, their defeat dropped their record down to 10-16.

Saturday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Spring Creek has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .489. However, it's not like Churchill County struggles in that department as they've averaged .442. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.