Softball Game Preview: Downtown Magnets Suns vs. Orthopaedic Vipers

Downtown Magnets hasn't had much luck against Orthopaedic recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Suns will host the Vipers at 2:30 p.m. Downtown Magnets has given up an average of 19.2 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Downtown Magnets is headed into Monday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game two weeks ago. They lost 26-8 to USC-MAE.

Orthopaedic came out on top against Jefferson on Friday thanks in part to the team's impressive 11-run second inning. The Vipers put the hurt on the Democrats with a sharp 19-1 win. The result was nothing new for the Vipers, who have now won six matchups by nine runs or more so far this season.

Brianna Ramirez made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off seven hits (and not a single walk). Ramirez was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last five games she's played.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Elizabeth Ajin, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with three stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Vanessa Castillo was another key player, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with five stolen bases and three runs.

Orthopaedic kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 21 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in four consecutive contests.

Orthopaedic is on a roll lately: they've won six of their last eight games. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-5 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.1 runs over those games. As for Downtown Magnets, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-4.

Downtown Magnets suffered a grim 22-2 defeat to Orthopaedic in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Suns avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.