Softball Game Preview: McKeesport Tigers vs. Gateway Gators

The McKeesport Tigers will venture away from home to face off against the Gateway Gators at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The two teams have had a bumpy ride up to this point with four consecutive losses for McKeesport and seven for Gateway.

It was a proper cat-fight when McKeesport duked it out with Greater Latrobe on Monday. The Tigers came up short against the Wildcats, falling 11-3.

Ryenn Thomas spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and seven unearned) runs on six hits and racked up six Ks.

On the hitting side, Addison Homer made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. Kendel Bercik was another key player, getting on base in two of her four plate appearances with three stolen bases and one run.

Meanwhile, Friday just wasn't the day for Gateway's offense. They lost 15-0 to Armstrong on Friday.

Gateway's loss dropped their record down to 3-9. As for McKeesport, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-8.

McKeesport's speedy runners might be the difference in Tuesday's match. The Tigers have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 6.4 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Gateway, though, as they've been averaging only 1.2 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will McKeesport continue to outrun the ball?

McKeesport took their victory against Gateway when the teams last played two weeks ago by a conclusive 13-2 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Tigers since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.