Softball Game Preview: University City Centurions vs. Scripps Ranch Falcons

By Team Reports Apr 25, 2024, 3:10am

Softball Preview: University City Centurions vs. Scripps Ranch Falcons

University City and Scripps Ranch are an even 5-5 against one another since May of 2018, but likely not for long. The University City Centurions will head out on the road to challenge the Scripps Ranch Falcons at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. University City is coming into the contest on a five-game losing streak.

University City's hitters might be in the hot seat on Friday considering what happened against Canyon Hills on Wednesday. They took a 4-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Rattlers.

Aliyah Padilla was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: she struck out nine batters over five innings while giving up four earned runs off seven hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive pitching appearances.

Meanwhile, Scripps Ranch narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Ramona 10-9.

Tori Turfler made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching six innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off ten hits. Turfler was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-5.

In other batting news, Scripps Ranch let Eva Frye and Sarah Cornelissen loose on the outfield. Frye scored three runs and stole four bases while going 1-for-4, while Cornelissen went 3-for-5 with a home run, two runs, and a double. Dominique Hernandez was another key contributor, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-4.

University City's defeat dropped their record down to 8-12-1. As for Scripps Ranch, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matches, which provided a nice bump to their 12-9 record this season.

Friday's matchup will be a test for both team's pitchers. University City hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .317. However, it's not like Scripps Ranch struggles in that department as they've averaged .348. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Everything went University City's way against Scripps Ranch when the teams last played on April 10th as University City made off with an 8-1 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for University City since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.

Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps