Softball Game Preview: Albert Lea Tigers vs. Mayo Spartans

Albert Lea is 0-7 against Mayo since May of 2015 but things could change on Tuesday. The Tigers will challenge the Spartans at 5:00 p.m. Albert Lea will be looking to extend their current six-game winning streak.

Albert Lea came out on top against St. Peter on Monday thanks in part to the team's impressive five-run third inning. The Tigers took their contest against the Saints 6-1.

Taylor Johnson was a major factor no matter where she played. She pitched seven innings while giving up just one earned run off six hits. Johnson was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one home run and two runs.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Hannah Schuhmacher, who went 1-for-3 with one home run and three RBI. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season.

Meanwhile, Mayo fell victim to Century and their airtight pitching crew on Thursday. They might be feeling deja-vu: they lost 10-0 to the Panthers, which was the same score (and result) they got the week prior. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last five times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.

Albert Lea pushed their record up to 6-8 with the victory, which was their third straight on the road. Those road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.3 runs over those games. As for Mayo, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 9-5 record this season.

Albert Lea might still be hurting after the 12-2 defeat they got from Mayo when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Can the Tigers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.