Softball Game Preview: Ponaganset Chieftains vs. Prout Crusaders

Ponaganset hasn't had much luck against Prout recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Chieftains will host the Crusaders at 4:30 p.m. Prout took a loss in their last contest and will be looking to turn the tables on Ponaganset, who comes in off a win.

Ponaganset is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Rhode Island's top teams: Portsmouth, who was ranked 22nd at the time (Ponaganset was ranked 15th). The Chieftains won by a run and slipped past the Patriots 6-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Chieftains have posted since June 8, 2024.

Mattea Mello

Batters Struck Out

05/03/25 vs Portsmouth	11
05/01/25 vs North Kingstown	13
04/30/25 @ St. Raphael Academy	8
04/28/25 @ Smithfield	5
04/25/25 @ East Providence	11
+ 2 more games

Mattea Mello made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 11 batters over nine innings while giving up four earned (and one unearned) runs off nine hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with one triple and one run. That triple was her first of the season.

In other batting news, Maia Salvo was incredible, firing off two home runs, three RBI, and one stolen base while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances. That stolen base marked the first that she has snagged this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Jillian Baris, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run.

Meanwhile, Prout fell victim to Chariho and their airtight pitching crew on Friday. They came up short against the Chargers, falling 12-0. The Crusaders' loss signaled the end of their three-game winning streak.

The victory made it two in a row for Ponaganset and bumps their season record up to 4-8. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 7 runs in those games. As for Prout, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-5.

Ponaganset couldn't quite get it done against Prout in their previous matchup back in June of 2022 as they fell 9-5. Will the Chieftains have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.