Softball Game Preview: Buckfield Bucks vs. Leavitt Hornets

Buckfield has won 16 straight games at home (dating back to last season), while Leavitt has won 16 straight on the road, but those streaks won't matter much on Thursday. The Bucks will welcome the Hornets at 4:00 p.m. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Buckfield 0.9, Leavitt 1.7) so any runs scored will be well earned.

Five must be Buckfield's lucky number: they beat Sacopee Valley with that score not once but twice on Tuesday. The Bucks didn't even let the Hawks on the board, marking the Bucks' second-straight 5-0 shutout. The win continues a trend for the Bucks in their matchups with the Hawks: they've now won three in a row.

Meanwhile, Leavitt put their dominant pitcher on display in the team's third consecutive shutout on Tuesday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand Lake Region a 6-0 shutout. The Hornets might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight games by six runs or more this season.

Reese Bilodeau was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one run.

Bilodeau wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Elizabeth Kowalski, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. Kowalski is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games she's played. Brook Boutaugh also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.

Leavitt hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least two batters in three consecutive contests.

Leavitt's victory bumped their record up to 11-0. As for Buckfield, their win bumped their record up to 8-1.

Thursday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Buckfield has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .466. However, it's not like Leavitt struggles in that department as they've averaged .443. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.