Softball Game Preview: Mitchell Kernels vs. Brandon Valley Lynx

The Mitchell Kernels will take on the Brandon Valley Lynx at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Mitchell has given up an average of 9.6 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Mitchell is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of South Dakota's top teams: O'Gorman, who was ranked 18th at the time (Mitchell was ranked 22nd). The Kernels came up short against the Knights on Tuesday, falling 13-1. The contest marked the Kernels' lowest-scoring matchup so far this season.

Meanwhile, Brandon Valley got the win against Yankton on Tuesday by a conclusive 11-1. Considering the Lynx have won five games by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.

Gabriel Kriech was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over six innings while giving up just one earned run off five hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one walk in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one home run and four RBI.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Peyton Amdahl, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with two runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. That's the most doubles she has posted since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Danielle Schoby, who went 1-for-3 with one home run.

Brandon Valley kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 11 hits in seven consecutive matchups.

Brandon Valley's win bumped their record up to 6-2. As for Mitchell, their loss dropped their record down to 4-4.

Mitchell beat Brandon Valley 7-3 in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Do the Kernels have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Lynx turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.