Softball Game Preview: Plymouth Pilgrims/Rockies vs. NorthWood Panthers

The Plymouth Pilgrims/Rockies will head out on the road to face off against the NorthWood Panthers at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Plymouth will be strutting in after a win while NorthWood will be coming in after a loss.

While Plymouth's victory against Wawasee wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Pilgrims/Rockies had just enough and edged out the Warriors 2-1 on Friday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Pilgrims/Rockies.

Gracie Patrick made a big impact no matter where she played. She struck out seven batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off five hits (and only one walk). That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with one run, one double, and one RBI.

Patrick wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Haylee Busse, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one double.

Plymouth hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They are 4-2 when they post two or more strikeouts.

Meanwhile, NorthWood came up short against Mishawaka on Friday and fell 9-4.

Natalia Vega made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, two stolen bases, and two runs. That home run was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Victoria Vega, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one stolen base and one run.

Plymouth now has a winning record of 11-10. As for NorthWood, their defeat ended a three-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 11-8.

The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Plymouth has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.2 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like NorthWood struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 2.7 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.

Plymouth might still be hurting after the 12-1 loss they got from NorthWood in their previous meeting two weeks ago. Can the Pilgrims/Rockies avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.