Softball Game Preview: Fouke Panthers vs. Smackover Buckaroos

Fouke is 0-4 against Smackover since April of 2019 but things could change on Thursday. The Panthers will venture away from home to face off against the Buckaroos at 5:00 p.m. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Fouke comes in on six and Smackover on nine.

Last Tuesday, Fouke made easy work of Spring Hill and carried off a 17-2 victory. The Panthers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven games by six runs or more this season.

Meanwhile, Smackover got the win against El Dorado on Tuesday by a conclusive 14-3. The Buckaroos are also no stranger to big wins: their blowout was the seventh matchup they've won by 6+ runs this season.

Emily Camacho made a splash no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run over five innings pitched. Camacho was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing three bases while going 1-for-3. Camacho is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: she's snagged at least one every time she's taken the field this season.

In other batting news, Taylor Darden was a standout: she scored four runs and stole four bases while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Ava Walker was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one home run and four RBI.

Fouke pushed their record up to 9-1 with the win, which was their tenth straight on the road dating back to last season. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they've averaged 13.9 runs this season. As for Smackover, their record is now 9-1.

Fouke might still be hurting after the 10-0 loss they got from Smackover when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.