Softball Game Preview: Stuttgart Ricebirds vs. Parkview Patriots

The Stuttgart Ricebirds will take on the Parkview Patriots at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Stuttgart is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.9 runs per game this season.

Stuttgart took a 17-run defeat the last time they faced off against Lonoke, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Ricebirds had just enough and edged out the Jackrabbits 5-3. The victory was some much needed relief for the Ricebirds as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.

Hali Watkins made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over 6.2 innings while giving up three earned runs off four hits. Watkins was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base. That stolen base marked the first that she has snagged this season.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on MyKayla Hale, who went 2-for-4 with one triple, two RBI, and one run. Lily Griffin was another key player, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with one stolen base and one RBI.

Meanwhile, Thursday just wasn't the day for Parkview's offense. They fell 5-0 to Nettleton on Thursday. The Patriots' loss continues a trend for the squad, making it three in a row.

Stuttgart's win was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 5-11. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 16.8 runs over those games. As for Parkview, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-17.