Softball Game Preview: Banks Braves vs. Portland Adventist Academy Cougars

The Banks Braves will take on the Portland Adventist Academy Cougars at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. Banks is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.7 runs per game this season.

Banks will bounce into Thursday's matchup after beating Valley Catholic, who they had gone 2-7 against in their nine prior meetings. The Braves came out on top against the Valiants by a score of 14-10 on Tuesday. The game was the first time the Braves have beaten the Valiants on their field since April 25, 2018.

Naomi Brown made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one hit in six consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with three runs and three RBI. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Khloe Long, who went 4-for-5 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Those four hits gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Brooklyn Evans, who went 3-for-5 with three RBI and one stolen base.

Banks hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least three batters in seven consecutive games.

Meanwhile, Portland Adventist Academy fell victim to Warrenton and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They lost 11-0 to the Warriors. The Cougars' loss continues a trend for the team, making it three in a row.

Banks pushed their record up to 10-7-1 with the win, which was their fourth straight on the road. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.0 runs over those games. As for Portland Adventist Academy, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-3.