Softball Recap: Bristol Takes a Loss

Bristol extended their losing streak to three on Thursday, dropping them down to 3-9. They came up short against the Chalker Wildcats, falling 18-2. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Wildcats this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 8-1 on Wednesday.

As for Chalker, they are on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 5-3 record this season. They might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four games by seven runs or more this season.

For Chalker's part, Riley Ashcraft made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off four hits. Ashcraft has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, four runs, and one triple. Those three stolen bases gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Katelyn Cook was a standout: she got on base in all four of her plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. Abby Grimm also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Bristol will welcome Liberty at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The Leopards have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 14 runs per game on average), something the Panthers will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for Chalker, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Poland Seminary at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The Bulldogs have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 7.47 runs per game on average), something the Wildcats will no doubt try to take advantage of.