Softball Game Preview: Thomas Walker Pioneers vs. Rye Cove Eagles

Thomas Walker hasn't had much luck against Rye Cove recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Pioneers will welcome the Eagles at 5:00 p.m.

Thomas Walker is headed into Thursday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 18th straight game dating back to last season on Friday. They came up short against Jenkins, falling 17-2.

Meanwhile, Rye Cove entered their tilt with Johnson County on Wednesday with six consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with seven. They blew past the Longhorns 9-1. The Eagles might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight contests by six runs or more this season.

Kenzie Hood was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with one home run and three RBI.

In other batting news, Harlee Cress was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. She also hit a double, marking her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Sara Byrd, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-1.

Rye Cove was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .533. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .364 or higher in seven consecutive games.

Rye Cove pushed their record up to 9-1 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.8 runs on average over those games. As for Thomas Walker, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-2.

Thomas Walker might still be hurting after the 16-0 loss they got from Rye Cove in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Pioneers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.