Softball Game Preview: Gustine Reds vs. Modesto Panthers

The Gustine Reds will look to take advantage of their home field for the first time this season as they take on the Modesto Panthers at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the two teams will really light up the scoreboard.

On Wednesday, Gustine made easy work of Weston Ranch and carried off an 18-6 victory. The win continues a trend for the Reds in their matchups with the Cougars: they've now won three in a row.

Shandel Aguilera

Runs Batted In (Career)

02/19/25 @ Weston Ranch	5
02/26/24 @ Weston Ranch	4
05/07/24 @ Waterford	3
04/30/24 vs Delhi	3
04/09/24 vs Denair	2

Shandel Aguilera was a standout: she went a perfect5-for-5 with three stolen bases, five RBI, and three runs. The dominant performance gave her a new career-high in RBI. Another player making a difference was Xel-Ha Pantoja, who went 4-for-5 with three stolen bases, six RBI, and four runs.

Gustine always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .600. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Weston Ranch only posted an OBP of .393.

Meanwhile, Modesto fought the good fight in their extra-innings matchup against McNair on Tuesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Eagles by a score of 14-13. The Panthers' defeat continues a trend for the team, making it six in a row dating back to last season.

Kayla Contreras and Taylor Luton did some serious damage despite the final result: Contreras scored a run while going 5-for-5, while Luton went 1-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. Sonia Padilla was another key player, scoring three runs while getting on base in three of her six plate appearances.

Modesto's loss dropped their record down to 0-3. As for Gustine, the victory got them back to even at 1-1.

Gustine might still be hurting after the 11-1 defeat they got from Modesto when the teams last played back in April of 2017. Will Gustine have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.