Softball Preview: Ponderosa Mustangs vs. Valor Christian Eagles
The Ponderosa Mustangs are taking a road trip to take on the Valor Christian Eagles at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Ponderosa is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.5 runs per game this season.
Ponderosa took a loss when they played away from home on Wednesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 9-8 win over Discovery Canyon.
Joey Qualteri spent all eight innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and five unearned) runs on nine hits and racked up nine Ks. Those eight innings set a new season-high mark for her.
On the hitting side, Avery Britt and Navy Knight did most of the damage at the plate: Britt scored a run and stole four bases while going 4-for-5, while Knight scored two runs and stole three bases while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances. Knight also hit a double, marking her first of the season. Campbell Trombley was another key player, scoring two runs while going 3-for-5.
Meanwhile, Valor Christian came tearing into Thursday's match with five straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 5.6 runs) and they left with even more momentum. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Colts a 12-0 shutout. The contest marked the Eagles' most dominant victory of the season so far.
Dillon Watson made a splash while hitting and pitching. She kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out eight over four innings pitched. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in three consecutive pitching appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBI.
In other batting news, Elizabeth Canales was excellent, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI. Abigail Watson was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-4.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, Valor Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .536. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Pueblo South only posted an OBP of .214.
Ponderosa's record now sits at 4-2. As for Valor Christian, their win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 7-1.
Ponderosa's speedy runners might be the difference in Tuesday's game. Ponderosa has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.2 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Valor Christian, though, as they've been averaging only 1.4. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Ponderosa continue to outrun the ball?
Ponderosa might still be hurting after the 7-0 loss they got from Valor Christian in their previous matchup back in October of 2017. Can Ponderosa avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
