Softball Preview: North Fort Myers Red Knights vs. LaBelle Cowboys/Cowgirls
North Fort Myers has enjoyed a four-game homestand but will soon have to dust off their road jerseys. They will challenge the LaBelle Cowboys/Cowgirls at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. North Fort Myers is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 10.5 runs per game this season.
North Fort Myers fought the good fight in their extra-innings game against Evangelical Christian on Friday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They took a 9-6 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Sentinels.
Abigail Hynes was cooking despite her team's loss, going 3-for-4 with three runs and a triple. The team also got some help courtesy of Azlynn Gomes, who went 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBI.
Meanwhile, LaBelle put the finishing touches on their tenth blowout victory of the season on Monday. Everything went their way against Immokalee as LaBelle made off with a 14-3 victory.
Abby Hicks was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out six over seven innings pitched. Hicks has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive pitching appearances. Hicks was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 4-for-5.
In other batting news, LaBelle got a massive performance out of Carli Spencer, who went 4-for-5 with five runs, five RBI, and a stolen base. Marissa Burchard was another key contributor, scoring four runs and stealing a base while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances.
North Fort Myers' defeat dropped their record down to 13-3. As for LaBelle, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matchups, which provided a nice bump to their 15-6 record this season.
Tuesday's contest will be a test for both team's pitchers. North Fort Myers hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .421. However, it's not like LaBelle struggles in that department as they've averaged .321. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
North Fort Myers skirted past LaBelle 6-5 in their previous meeting back in April of 2023. The rematch might be a little tougher for North Fort Myers 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
