Softball Game Preview: Italy Gladiators vs. Meridian Yellowjackets

The Italy Gladiators are taking a road trip to challenge the Meridian Yellowjackets at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Italy knows how to get runs on the board -- the team has finished with ten runs or more in their past eight games -- so hopefully Meridian likes a good challenge.

Italy is probably headed into the contest with a chip on their shoulder considering Hico just ended the team's seven-game winning streak on Tuesday. They fell just short of the Tigers by a score of 14-13.

Charlea Padilla led a balanced group of hitters, scoring two runs while going 3-for-4. Another player making a difference was Addy Slovak, who scored three runs and stole two bases while going 4-for-5.

Meanwhile, Meridian was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their 14th straight loss dating back to last season. They lost 15-5 to Itasca.

Meridian's defeat dropped their record down to 0-8. As for Italy, their loss dropped their record down to 11-5.

Italy took their win against Meridian in their previous matchup back in March by a conclusive 15-0 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Gladiators since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.