Softball Game Preview: Franklin Yellowjackets vs. Stagg Delta Kings

Franklin hasn't had much luck against Stagg recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Yellowjackets will head out to challenge the Delta Kings at 6:30 p.m.

Franklin is headed into Thursday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 11th straight game on Tuesday. They came up short against McNair, falling 8-2. Having soared to a lofty 15 runs in the game before, the Yellowjackets couldn't push the score so high this time.

Meanwhile, Stagg entered their tilt with Weston Ranch on Tuesday with three consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with four. They blew past the Cougars 15-5. The result was nothing new for the Delta Kings, who have now won ten matchups by six runs or more so far this season.

Aerie Garcia was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Garcia was also big at the plate, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with four runs, one stolen base, and one double. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024.

In other batting news, Rachael Symoungkhoune was incredible, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with four runs and one stolen base. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Alexus Short, who went 1-for-2 with three RBI and two runs.

Stagg always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .581. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .533 or higher in four consecutive games.

Stagg pushed their record up to 16-7 with the victory, which was their third straight on the road. Those road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.7 runs on average over those games. As for Franklin, their loss dropped their record down to 3-12.

Franklin suffered a grim 20-0 defeat to Stagg in their previous meeting back in March. Can the Yellowjackets avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.