Softball Game Preview: Spanish Fort Toros vs. Gulf Shores Dolphins

The Spanish Fort Toros will head out on the road to challenge the Gulf Shores Dolphins at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Spanish Fort's pitching crew has only allowed 2.4 runs per game this season, so Gulf Shores' hitters will have their work cut out for them.

Spanish Fort fell victim to Orange Beach and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They took a 4-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Makos. The Toros have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Spanish Fort got a good showing from Mallarie Beagle, who didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit over four innings pitched. Beagle has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than one earned run in five consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Spanish Fort saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Haley Hart, who went 1-for-2 with one double.

Meanwhile, Gulf Shores hadn't done well against Baldwin County recently (they were 0-9 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. The Dolphins never let the Tigers get on the board and left with a 3-0 victory. Winning may never get old, but the Dolphins sure are getting used to it with their fourth in a row.

Not much got past Madi Nelson, who gave up just two hits to keep Baldwin County off the board.

Gulf Shores' win bumped their record up to 22-14-1. As for Spanish Fort, their defeat dropped their record down to 30-8.

Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Spanish Fort hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .334. However, it's not like Gulf Shores struggles in that department as they've averaged .337. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Spanish Fort skirted past Gulf Shores 2-1 in their previous matchup two weeks ago. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Toros since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.