Softball Game Preview: Grainger Grizzlies vs. Knoxville Central Bobcats

The Grainger Grizzlies will face off against the Knoxville Central Bobcats at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Grainger has given up an average of 8.1 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Grainger is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They blew past Greeneville 18-11 on Thursday. While the Grizzlies didn't have the best season last year (they finished 8-11), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.

Grace Lincoln made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she pitched four innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing three bases while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances.

Jaylee Nickell

Runs (Career)

03/20/25 @ Greeneville	3
03/18/25 @ Claiborne	2
03/11/25 @ Jefferson County	2
03/10/25 @ Cumberland Gap	2
03/04/25 @ Cherokee	2

In other batting news, Jaylee Nickell was incredible, going 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. Those three runs gave her a new career-high. Kaylee Sturgill was another key player, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 2-for-4.

Grainger always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .543. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.

Meanwhile, Knoxville Central didn't have quite enough to beat Heritage on Friday and fell 7-6. The loss was the Bobcats' first of the season.

Grainger's victory was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 6-2. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.3 runs over those games. As for Knoxville Central, their loss was their first of the season and makes their record 5-1.