Softball Game Preview: Silverado Skyhawks vs. Palo Verde Panthers

Silverado hasn't had much luck against Palo Verde recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Skyhawks will head out to challenge the Panthers at 4:00 p.m. Silverado has given up an average of 13.7 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Silverado is headed into Monday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game last Thursday. They lost 20-0 to Bishop Gorman.

Meanwhile, Palo Verde put another one in the bag on Thursday to keep their perfect season alive. Everything went their way against Faith Lutheran as they made off with an 11-1 win. The Panthers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won nine games by six runs or more this season.

Haley Kearnes made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out eight over five innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in March of 2024. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double.

In other batting news, Makayla Enriquez and Taylor Johns did most of the damage at the plate: Enriquez went 1-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI, while Johns went a perfect 2-for-2 with two doubles, one run, and one RBI. That's the most doubles Johns has posted since back in March. Alexis Kearnes also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.

Palo Verde always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .586. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Faith Lutheran only posted an OBP of .111.

Palo Verde pushed their record up to 18-0 with the victory, which was their 12th straight at home dating back to last season. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.4 runs on average over those games. As for Silverado, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-15.

Silverado suffered a grim 14-3 defeat to Palo Verde in their previous matchup back in March. Can the Skyhawks avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.