Softball Game Preview: Sierra Timberwolves vs. Manteca Buffaloes

Sierra hasn't had much luck against Manteca recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Sierra Timberwolves will head out on the road to square off against the Manteca Buffaloes at 4:00 p.m. Sierra has given up an average of 11 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.

Sierra fell victim to Oakdale and their airtight pitching crew on Thursday. They came up short against the Mustangs, falling 18-0. The Timberwolves just can't catch a break and have now endured four losses in a row.

Meanwhile, Manteca made easy work of East Union on Tuesday and carried off a 17-5 victory. Considering the Buffaloes have won four matches by more than seven runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.

Sienna Lowery was a standout: she scored a run while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. What's more, she posted three RBI, the most she's had since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Lauren Moncada, who scored three runs and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-4.

Manteca was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .552. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.

Manteca has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 6-2 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.7 runs over those games. Sierra now has a losing record of 3-4.

Sierra suffered a grim 11-0 defeat to Manteca in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can Sierra avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.