Softball Game Preview: Independence Patriots vs. Reagan Raiders

The Independence Patriots will take on the Reagan Raiders on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

Independence is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. Everything went their way against Hopewell as they made off with a 9-2 win. The Patriots are really starting to get used to good results now that the team has won 18 straight.

Maliyah Alexander was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. Alexander was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with three RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Morgan Clark, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Gianna McCloud, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and one triple.

Independence hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Hopewell struck out eight times.

Meanwhile, Reagan entered their tilt with Southeast Guilford on Tuesday with three consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with four. They blew past the Falcons 12-2.

Independence's victory was their 16th straight at home, which pushed their record up to 23-2. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.1 runs over those games. As for Reagan, their victory bumped their record up to 23-5.