Softball Game Preview: Cumberland Pirates vs. Mt. Zion Braves

Cumberland hasn't had much luck against Mt. Zion recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Pirates will head out on the road to challenge the Braves at 4:30 p.m. Cumberland is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.9 runs per game this season.

Mt. Zion will face off against a team with plenty of momentum: Cumberland extended their winning streak to three on Monday. The Pirates were the clear victors by a 16-1 margin over Heritage. That 15 run margin sets a new team best for the Pirates this season.

Baya Carter was a standout: she went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Those two hits gave her a new career-high. Avery Millsap also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.

Cumberland hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least four batters in six consecutive contests.

Meanwhile, Mt. Zion came into Friday's game having lost four straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 4-3 victory over Rochester on Friday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Braves have posted since May 17, 2024.

Ella Fink spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up seven Ks.

On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Chloe Williams, who went 1-for-4 with one home run. Molly Doolin was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one double and one RBI.

Cumberland's record is now 6-9. As for Mt. Zion, their record now sits at 10-5.

Cumberland suffered a grim 9-2 defeat to Mt. Zion when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Pirates avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.