Softball Recap: Tri-Valley's Loss Ends Four-Game Winning Streak on the Road

Tri-Valley dropped their record down to 11-4 on Thursday, which also ended the team's four-game streak of wins on the road. They came up short against the Williams Valley Vikings, falling 15-0. The pitching woes were uncharacteristic for the Bulldogs, who until this matchup were averaging 3.4 runs allowed.

As for Williams Valley, the win (which was their ninth in a row) raised their record to 17-1. The result was nothing new for the Vikings, who have now won 15 contests by seven runs or more so far this season.

For Williams Valley's part, Sage Smeltz made a splash while hitting and pitching. She pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Smeltz has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one home run and three RBI.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Olivia Hand, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March. Kayla Hand was another key player, going 1-for-2 with two stolen bases and three runs.

Looking ahead, Tri-Valley will venture away from home to square off against Tamaqua at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The Blue Raiders' pitching crew has only allowed three runs per game this season, so the Bulldogs' hitters will have their work cut out for them. As for Williams Valley, they will look to defend their home field on Tuesday against Minersville at 4:30 p.m. The Vikings' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Battlin' Miners have averaged an impressive 9 runs per game this season.