Softball Game Preview: River Forest Ingots vs. Merrillville Pirates

The River Forest Ingots will head out to square off against the Merrillville Pirates at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. River Forest has given up an average of 11.2 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

River Forest lost 16-1 to Wheeler on Wednesday. The Ingots have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

River Forest saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Emma Witt, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one run.

Whiting hit Merrillville with a four-run fifth inning on Wednesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Pirates came up short against the Oilers, falling 13-3.

Elani Alvarez was cooking despite her team's loss, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one double. Alaysia Haney was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.

Merrillville's defeat dropped their record down to 5-17. As for River Forest, their loss dropped their record down to 6-12.

The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. River Forest has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Merrillville struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.6 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.

River Forest got the 'W' when the teams last played two weeks ago against Merrillville by a conclusive 17-10 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Ingots since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.