Softball Game Preview: Keene Chargers vs. Life Oak Cliff Lions

The Keene Chargers will head out on the road to face off against the Life Oak Cliff Lions at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Keene has given up an average of 9.4 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Keene fell victim to Abbott and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They lost 15-0 to the Panthers.

Keene saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Amber Vaughan, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with one double. That double was Vaughan's first of the season.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Life Oak Cliff). They put the hurt on Village Tech with a sharp 27-9 win on Friday. The Lions have beaten the Viper Squid the last three times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Viper Squid has come to flipping the script.

Life Oak Cliff got a massive performance out of Jesica Hernandez, who scored four runs and stole two bases while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances. Those four runs gave Hernandez a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Leila Ruiz, who scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances.

Life Oak Cliff always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .791. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Keene now has a losing record of 4-5. As for Life Oak Cliff, the victory was their first on the road , bumping their record up to 5-8-1.

Tuesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Keene has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .585. However, it's not like Life Oak Cliff struggles in that department as they've averaged .535. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Keene took their win against Life Oak Cliff in their previous meeting back in March of 2024 by a conclusive 21-6. The rematch might be a little tougher for Keene since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.