Softball Game Preview: Monroe Hornets vs. Ross Rams

For the second straight game, Monroe will face off against Ross. The Hornets will be playing at home against the Rams at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Monroe has given up an average of 7.8 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Ross hit Monroe with a five-run fifth inning on Thursday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Hornets lost 11-1 to the Rams. The Hornets have struggled against the Rams recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive lost matchup.

For Ross' part, Paige Baker was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She pitched five innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. Baker has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in seven consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, four runs, and two stolen bases. What's more, she posted four RBI, the most she's had since back in March.

In other batting news, Josi Alvis was incredible, going 2-for-4 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Olivia Powers, who went 1-for-2 with one run and one double.

Ross kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in nine consecutive games.

Ross has been performing well recently as they've won seven of their last nine matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-6 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.9 runs over those games. As for Monroe, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-10.