Softball Game Preview: Gooding Senators vs. Kimberly Bulldogs

Gooding is 2-8 against Kimberly since April of 2023 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The Senators will head out to challenge the Bulldogs at 5:00 p.m. Gooding has given up an average of 7.2 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Gooding is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 13 runs last Wednesday, they were much more limited against Kimberly on Friday. They came up short against the Bulldogs, falling 11-1.

For Kimberly's part, Mallory Kelsey made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits (and not a single walk). Kelsey has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 16 consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one RBI.

In other batting news, Addison Cann and Kalynn Benson did most of the damage at the plate: Cann went 2-for-3 with three RBI, two doubles, and one run, while Benson went 2-for-3 with one triple, one stolen base, and two RBI. Cann is on a roll when it comes to RBI, as she's now brought in three or more in each of the last three games she's played. Jaci Cowger was another key player, going 1-for-3 with three runs.

Kimberly always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .533. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Gooding only posted an OBP of .211.

Kimberly has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won 17 of their last 18 matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 21-2-1 record this season. As for Gooding, their loss dropped their record down to 13-7.

Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Gooding hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .369. However, it's not like Kimberly struggles in that department as they've averaged .396. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.