Softball Game Preview: East Tartans vs. Eastern Eagles

The East Tartans are taking a road trip to face off against the Eastern Eagles at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.

East took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Wednesday. They put the hurt on Hannan with a sharp 22-5 win. The Tartans' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

Meanwhile, Eastern entered their tilt with South Gallia on Wednesday with three consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with four. They were the clear victors by a 31-4 margin over the Rebels. That looming 31-4 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Eagles yet this season.

Paige Helton made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out eight over four innings pitched. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.

In other batting news, Brooklyn Baisden was a standout: she went 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. That home run was her first of the season. Braelyn Bevins was another key player, going 3-for-4 with four runs, two stolen bases, and one triple.

Eastern always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .654. The last time their OBP was this high was back in May of 2025.

East's first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-6. As for Eastern, their record is now 7-1-1.

East suffered a grim 14-2 defeat to Eastern in their previous meeting back in April of 2023. Can the Tartans avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.