Softball Game Preview: Phillips Bears vs. Lynn Bears

Phillips hasn't had much luck against Lynn recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. Phillips will welcome Lynn at 4:00 p.m. Phillips has given up an average of 12.3 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Phillips fell victim to Hackleburg and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They lost 16-0 to the Panthers.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Lynn). They had just enough and edged out Meek 5-4 on Tuesday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Bears have posted against the Tigers since May 2, 2022.

Maddie Brooke Rutledge spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and one unearned) runs on nine hits and racked up eight Ks.

On the hitting side, Lynn let Alli Dutton and Molly Pate run wild. Dutton went 2-for-3 with one home run, two RBI, and one double, while Pate went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases and two runs. That's the most runs Pate has posted since back in April of 2025. The team also got some help courtesy of Jayden Thompson, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and one RBI.

The victory got Lynn back to even at 2-2. As for Phillips, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-9.

Phillips suffered a grim 18-5 defeat to Lynn when the teams last played back in March of 2025. Can Phillips avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.