Softball Game Preview: San Marcos Knights vs. Del Norte Nighthawks

The San Marcos Knights will venture away from home to square off against the Del Norte Nighthawks at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

San Marcos managed to slip by Rancho Bernardo the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Knights came up short against the Broncos on Wednesday, falling 10-1. The Knights' defeat signaled the end of their three-game winning streak.

Emily Lew made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and got on base in all four of her plate appearances with one triple and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Isabella Velasco, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base and one run.

Meanwhile, Del Norte fought the good fight in their extra-innings matchup against Mission Hills on Wednesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Grizzlies by a score of 5-4. The Nighthawks have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Lainey LLamas was cooking despite her team's loss, firing off two home runs and three RBI while going 2-for-4. Another player making a difference was Alexis Kyles, who went 2-for-4 with two runs and one triple.

San Marcos suffered their first home loss, dropping their record down to 11-8. As for Del Norte, their defeat dropped their record down to 10-8-1.

San Marcos' speedy runners might be the difference in Friday's contest. The Knights have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.7 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Del Norte, though, as they've been averaging an even more impressive 0.6 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will San Marcos continue to outrun the ball?

San Marcos was able to grind out a solid victory over Del Norte when the teams last played back in March, winning 3-0. Do the Knights have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Nighthawks turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.