Softball Game Preview: Larkin Royals vs. Crystal Lake South Gators

Larkin is on a three-game streak of home losses, and Crystal Lake South a 14-game streak of away losses dating back to last season. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Friday. The Larkin Royals will welcome the Crystal Lake South Gators at 4:30 p.m. Larkin is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.

On Tuesday, Larkin came up short against South Elgin and fell 8-4.

Ali Herrick made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-3 with one home run and three RBI.

Jacobs hit Crystal Lake South with a five-run fourth inning on Thursday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Gators came up short against the Golden Eagles, falling 11-1.

Crystal Lake South saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Riley Barda, who went 1-for-2 with one double and one RBI.

Crystal Lake South's defeat dropped their record down to 1-23. As for Larkin, their loss dropped their record down to 12-15.

Crystal Lake South's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Larkin has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .432. It's a different story for Crystal Lake South, though, as they've only averaged .282. Will they be able to contain Larkin's hitters?

Larkin was able to grind out a solid victory over Crystal Lake South in their previous matchup back in March of 2023, winning 8-5. Do the Royals have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Gators turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.