Softball Game Preview: Gadsden Panthers vs. Las Cruces Bulldawgs + Official Tickets

For the second straight game, Gadsden will face off against Las Cruces. The Panthers will venture away from home to square off against the Bulldawgs at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Gadsden is coming into the contest on a four-game losing streak.

Gadsden is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of New Mexico's top teams: Las Cruces, who was ranked 12th at the time (Gadsden was ranked 14th). The Panthers lost 14-2 to the Bulldawgs on Tuesday.

For Las Cruces' part, Leah Pacheco made a splash while hitting and pitching. She struck out eight batters over six innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits. Pacheco was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with four RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March.

In other batting news, Las Cruces let Erica Silva and Denae DiMatteo run wild. Silva went 3-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base, while DiMatteo went 3-for-4 with three runs, four RBI, and one double. That's the most RBI DiMatteo has posted since back in March of 2025.

Las Cruces was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .455. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their batting average total in three consecutive matchups.

Gadsden's loss dropped their record down to 11-4. As for Las Cruces, the win snapped their losing streak at three games and leaves them with a 9-6 record.

Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Gadsden hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .546. However, it's not like Las Cruces struggles in that department as they've averaged .326. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.