Softball Game Preview: Americas Trail Blazers vs. Hanks Knights

The Americas Trail Blazers will challenge the Hanks Knights at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Americas is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.7 runs per game this season.

Americas is probably headed into the matchup with a chip on their shoulder considering Parkland just ended the team's nine-game winning streak on Tuesday. They fell just short of the Matadors by a score of 2-1. Having soared to a lofty 17 runs in the game before, the Trail Blazers couldn't push the score so high this time.

Zoe O'Hara

Batters Struck Out

04/15/25 @ Parkland	12
04/07/25 vs El Dorado	12
04/04/25 @ Del Valle	10
03/29/25 vs Parkland	7
03/18/25 @ El Dorado	12
03/11/25 vs Del Valle	6

Zoe O'Hara spent all 7.2 innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on three hits and racked up 12 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in six consecutive appearances.

Meanwhile, Hanks was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They fell 8-3 to El Dorado.

Madison Young made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. Amberly Mercado was another key player, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.

Americas' defeat dropped their record down to 19-14. As for Hanks, their loss dropped their record down to 15-13-1.

Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Americas has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .464. However, it's not like Hanks struggles in that department as they've averaged .475. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Everything went Americas' way against Hanks in their previous meeting two weeks ago, as Americas made off with a 16-4 victory. Do the Trail Blazers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Knights turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.