Softball Game Preview: Harrisburg Bulldogs vs. Murphysboro Red Devils

The Harrisburg Bulldogs will challenge the Murphysboro Red Devils at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Harrisburg made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Johnston City, but they still couldn't quite topple them. The Bulldogs fell just short of the Indians by a score of 7-5 on Wednesday. The loss continues a trend for the Bulldogs in their meetings with the Indians: they've now lost seven in a row.

Meanwhile, after low-scoring totals in their previous three match, Murphysboro brought some dynamite into their most recent contest. They put the hurt on Massac County with a sharp 11-4 win on Tuesday. The victory continues a trend for the Red Devils in their matchups with the Patriots: they've now won eight in a row.

Blaire Fox made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out six batters over seven innings while giving up four earned runs off ten hits (and not a single walk). Fox was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Macey Alexander, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one triple. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in March. Sydnee Hunter was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.

Murphysboro hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They are 3-1 when they post two or more strikeouts.

Harrisburg's defeat dropped their record down to 16-7. As for Murphysboro, their win bumped their record up to 6-16.

Harrisburg was able to grind out a solid victory over Murphysboro in their previous matchup back in April, winning 7-4. Will the Bulldogs repeat their success, or do the Red Devils have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.