Softball Game Preview: Putnam County Midgets vs. Gilman City Hawks

The Putnam County Midgets will venture away from home to face off against the Gilman City Hawks at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Putnam County is coming into the contest on a three-game losing streak.

Putnam County lost 9-3 to Highland on Monday. That's two games in a row now that the Midgets have lost by exactly six runs.

Rory Gilworth spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and eight unearned) runs on five hits and racked up six Ks. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in seven consecutive appearances.

Gilman City couldn't beat Pattonsburg on Thursday even though they stacked four runs on them in the seventh inning. The Hawks came up short against the Panthers, falling 12-6. The Hawks have struggled against the Panthers recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost matchup.

Khloey Sperry made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with four stolen bases and three runs. Caitlynn Chalfant was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base and one RBI.

Gilman City's defeat dropped their record down to 8-4. As for Putnam County, their loss dropped their record down to 6-11.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Putnam County has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 10.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Gilman City struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Putnam County beat Gilman City 7-3 when the teams last played back in October of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Midgets since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.