Softball Game Preview: Sunset Apollos vs. McNary Celtics

The Sunset Apollos will square off against the McNary Celtics at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Sunset 2.7, McNary 3.3) so any runs scored will be well earned.

Sunset headed into their last match having not scored more than two runs for three straight, but Beaverton let them put that streak behind them. The Apollos' pitcher stepped up to hand the Beavers a 10-0 shutout on Monday. Considering the Apollos have won 11 contests by more than five runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.

Sydney Arnold was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit over six innings pitched. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 11 consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Jordan Pe?a, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Dajah Paz, who went 1-for-4 with two runs and one RBI.

Meanwhile, McNary beat Dallas 8-3 on Tuesday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Celtics.

McNary pushed their record up to 19-6 with the victory, which was their fourth straight at home. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.8 runs on average over those games. As for Sunset, their victory bumped their record up to 22-4.

Sunset suffered a grim 18-4 defeat to McNary in their previous meeting back in March of 2022. Will the Apollos have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.