Softball Game Preview: Collinsville Kahoks vs. O'Fallon Panthers

The Collinsville Kahoks will head out to face off against the O'Fallon Panthers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Collinsville has given up an average of 11 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Tuesday just wasn't the day for Collinsville's offense. They came up short against Belleville East on Tuesday, falling 15-0. The Kahoks have struggled against the Lancers recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive lost meeting.

Collinsville saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Bailey Demick, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with one stolen base and one double.

Meanwhile, O'Fallon was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They were two runs away from ending the streak, but they lost a 10-8 heartbreaker at the hands of Nashville. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last four times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.

Ella Klino made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and got on base in four of her five plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. Ali Frickleton was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and one double.

O'Fallon's loss dropped their record down to 10-15. As for Collinsville, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-15.

Collinsville's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's game. The Kahoks have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.7 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for O'Fallon, though, as they've been averaging only 1.4 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Collinsville continue to outrun the ball?

Collinsville might still be hurting after the 12-0 loss they got from O'Fallon in their previous meeting back in April. Can the Kahoks avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.