Softball Game Preview: Roanoke Rapids Yellowjackets vs. Southern Nash Firebirds

Roanoke Rapids hasn't had much luck against Southern Nash recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Yellowjackets will take on the Firebirds at 6:00 p.m. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Roanoke Rapids comes in on three and Southern Nash on 20.

The home team had won the previous two meetings between Roanoke Rapids and Bunn, and Roanoke Rapids kept the tradition alive. The Yellowjackets came out on top against the Wildcats by a score of 5-2 on Tuesday.

Madison Jones was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out six batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off seven hits (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, two doubles, and one run. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024.

In other batting news, Shandi Byrum was excellent, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one stolen base and one RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Maecy Garriss, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base and one run.

Roanoke Rapids always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .548. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Bunn only posted an OBP of .231.

Meanwhile, Southern Nash owes their pitching crew a big pat on the back after their performance on Tuesday. They blew past Franklinton 8-0. The Firebirds might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 17 matchups by six runs or more this season.

Southern Nash's victory was their 13th straight at home, which pushed their record up to 20-0. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.0 runs on average over those games. As for Roanoke Rapids, their record is now 14-4.

Roanoke Rapids couldn't quite get it done against Southern Nash in their previous meeting back in April as they fell 6-2. Can the Yellowjackets avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.