Softball Game Preview: Umatilla Bulldogs vs. Dunnellon Tigers

The Umatilla Bulldogs are taking a road trip to take on the Dunnellon Tigers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Umatilla is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.8 runs per game this season.

Fans were treated to a battle of the Bulldogs on Thursday. Umatilla lost 10-4 to Tavares. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss Umatilla has suffered since March 21, 2024.

Umatilla saw seven different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Mittie O'Brien, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4. O'Brien is also crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: she's stolen at least one every time she's taken the field this season. Brooke Berrisford also deserves some recognition as she scored her first run of the season.

Meanwhile, Dunnellon had to travel to play their first game of the season, but the final result was worth the trip. They had just enough and edged out Belleview 3-2 on Tuesday.

Makayla Duncan spent all eight innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered two runs (both of which were unearned) on one hit and racked up ten Ks. Those a hit gave her a new career-low.

This is the second loss in a row for Umatilla and nudges their season record down to 1-3. As for Dunnellon, their win ended a five-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 1-0.

Umatilla skirted past Dunnellon 2-1 in their previous meeting back in March of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for Umatilla since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.