Softball Recap: King Takes a Loss

King had lost four straight at home, but on Thursday they dropped their record down to 4-13 to make it five. They lost 23-0 to the Plant City Raiders. If the Lions were looking for revenge after losing 23-0 to the Raiders when the teams met back in March of 2022, then they'll just have to keep looking.

As for Plant City, the win (which was their fifth in a row) raised their record to 17-6. Their hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

For Plant City's part, Kayleigh Gibbs made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Gibbs has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up a single earned run in three consecutive appearances. She was even better at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one triple, two RBI, and one run. That triple was her first of the season.

In other pitching news, Kyleigh Gibbs looked comfortable as she tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive appearances.

Back at the plate, Samantha Raines was a standout: she went a perfect 3-for-3 with four stolen bases, four runs, and three RBI. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in February. The team also got some help courtesy of Peytan Benjamin, who went 2-for-3 with two triples, two stolen bases, and three runs.

Coming up, King will challenge Jefferson at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. The Lions' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Dragons have averaged an impressive 8.9 runs per game this season. As for Plant City, they will take on Tampa Bay Tech at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. The Raiders' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Titans have averaged an impressive 13.9 runs per game this season.