Softball Game Preview: Annenberg Panthers vs. Orthopaedic Vipers

Annenberg is 1-9 against Orthopaedic since April of 2018 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Wednesday. The Panthers will be defending their home field for the first time this season when they go up against the Vipers at 2:00 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.

Annenberg lost 23-11 to USC-MAE two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Orthopaedic). Everything went their way against Downtown Magnets on Monday as they made off with a 35-1 win. The Vipers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven contests by nine runs or more this season.

Brianna Ramirez was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all six of her plate appearances with three stolen bases, five RBI, and three runs. Those five RBI gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Elizabeth Ajin was a standout: she went 5-for-6 with one home run, seven stolen bases, and five runs. Those seven stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Daniela Ceja, who got on base in five of her seven plate appearances with one home run, nine stolen bases, and five runs.

Orthopaedic kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 21 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in five consecutive matches.

Orthopaedic's victory was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 8-5. Those road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.7 runs on average over those games. As for Annenberg, they now have a losing record of 1-2.

Annenberg suffered a grim 27-1 defeat to Orthopaedic in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.