Softball Preview: Mercy Bears vs. Castilleja Gators
Mercy is 10-0 against Castilleja since April of 2017, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Tuesday. The Mercy Bears will head out on the road to square off against the Castilleja Gators at 4:00 p.m. Mercy is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 8.8 runs per game this season.
Last Thursday, Mercy came up short against Notre Dame and fell 7-3.
G Ortega made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored two runs and stole three bases while going 2-for-3. Another player making a difference was A Anderson, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, Castilleja scored the most runs they've had all season to find success two weeks ago. Everything went their way against DCP Alum Rock as Castilleja made off with a 34-9 win. Castilleja might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team's won four contests by ten runs or more this season.
Elise Wong-McBride made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). Wong-McBride was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with a home run, five runs, and six RBI.
In other batting news, Emma Foster was incredible, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with a home run, eight RBI, and four runs. Cali Scolnick was another key contributor, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and four RBI.
Mercy has traveled a rocky road recently having lost four of their last five matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-6-1 record this season. As for Castilleja, their victory was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 5-1.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Mercy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .474. However, it's not like Castilleja struggles in that department as they've averaged .590. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Mercy came out on top in a nail-biter against Castilleja in their previous matchup back in May of 2023, sneaking past 10-9. The rematch might be a little tougher for Mercy since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
