Softball Preview: Nebraska City Pioneers vs. Auburn Bulldogs
Nebraska City has been away from home for two games now, but on Thursday they'll finally make their return. They will welcome the Auburn Bulldogs. Nebraska City is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.6 runs per game this season.
Nebraska City will head into Tuesday's matchup after some sweet revenge against Ashland-Greenwood: Nebraska City couldn't quite topple Ashland-Greenwood on Tuesday, but it was still a huge improvement compared to the 14-run defeat they took when the two last played. Everything went Nebraska City's way against Ashland-Greenwood as Nebraska City made off with a 19-9 victory. The result was nothing new for the Pioneers, who have now won 16 matches by six runs or more so far this season.
Nebraska City got a massive performance out of Halle Nickels, who went 3-for-4 with a home run, three runs, and three RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Rylie Beethe, who went 2-for-4 with a home run, three runs, and three RBI.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, Nebraska City kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 18 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, it may have taken nine innings to finish the job, but Auburn ultimately got the result they hoped for on Saturday. They skirted past Freeman 6-5. Winning may never get old, but the Bulldogs sure are getting used to it with their third in a row.
Gretchen Paschal spent all nine innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and one unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up seven Ks. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in August.
On the hitting side, Addison Darnell was excellent, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.
Nebraska City is on a roll lately: they've won ten of their last 11 contests, which provided a nice bump to their 23-4 record this season. As for Auburn, their win bumped their record up to 18-7.
Thursday's game will be a test for both team's pitchers. Nebraska City hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of 0. However, it's not like Auburn struggles in that department as they've averaged 0. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Nebraska City's way against Auburn in their previous matchup back in September of 2023, as Nebraska City made off with a 10-1 victory. Does Nebraska City have another victory up their sleeve, or will Auburn turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
