Softball Game Preview: Clifton Central Comets vs. Beecher Bobcats

Clifton Central hasn't had much luck against Beecher recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Comets will square off against the Bobcats at 4:30 p.m. Neither Clifton Central nor Beecher posted many runs in their last games, so it might be the pitching crews that decide this one.

Thursday just wasn't the day for Clifton Central's offense. They lost 6-0 to Gardner-South Wilmington on Thursday. The Comets have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Sydney Jemar spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and two unearned) runs on five hits and racked up eight Ks.

Meanwhile, Beecher faced Lincoln-Way East in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Monday. The Bobcats came up short against the Griffins, falling 6-0. The contest marked the first time this season in which the Bobcats were not able to get on the board.

Beecher also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Taylor Norkus gave up four earned (and two unearned) runs on 11 hits. Norkus has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in six consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Beecher saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Ava Lorenzatti, who went 2-for-3 with one double.

Clifton Central's defeat was their first in the conference, dropping their conference record down to 7-1 and their overall record down to 12-8-1. As for Beecher, their loss was their first of the season and makes their record 21-1.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Clifton Central has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Beecher struggles in that department as they've been averaging 10.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Clifton Central might still be hurting after the 15-0 defeat they got from Beecher in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Can the Comets avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.