Softball Game Preview: Davenport Broncos vs. Winter Haven Blue Devils

The Davenport Broncos are taking a road trip to square off against the Winter Haven Blue Devils at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Davenport is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.5 runs per game this season.

Davenport had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 15-run drubbing they dealt Haines City on Wednesday. Davenport put the hurt on Haines City with a sharp 16-1 victory. The win continues a trend for the Broncos in their matchups with the Hornets: they've now won six in a row.

Makayla Gonzalez made a big impact no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out nine over four innings pitched. That's the fewest hits she has allowed since back in April of 2024. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-3.

Morgan Cresswell

Stolen Base (Career)

03/26/25 @ Haines City	3
03/25/25 @ Lake Gibson	2
03/06/25 @ Ridge Community	1
02/27/25 @ Celebration	1
02/18/25 vs Avon Park	1

In other batting news, Davenport let Riley Cresswell and Morgan Cresswell run wild. Riley scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-3, while Morgan scored two runs and stole three bases while going 1-for-3. Those three stolen bases gave Morgan a new career-high. Anyla Davis also deserves some recognition as she scored her first run of the season.

Davenport always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .514. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.

Meanwhile, Winter Haven was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They came up short against Lake Region, falling 18-0.

Davenport's record now sits at 5-6. As for Winter Haven, their loss dropped their record down to 2-9.

Davenport's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's matchup. Davenport has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.2 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Winter Haven, though, as they've been averaging only 1.4 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Davenport continue to outrun the ball?

Davenport might still be hurting after the 12-4 defeat they got from Winter Haven when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can Davenport avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.