Softball Game Preview: Benton Rangers vs. Murphysboro Red Devils

Benton hasn't had much luck against Murphysboro recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Rangers will head out on the road to challenge the Red Devils at 4:30 p.m. Neither Benton nor Murphysboro posted many runs in their last games, so it might be the pitching crews that decide this one.

Benton lost 11-2 to Pinckneyville on Monday.

Benton saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Carlie James (2026), who went 3-for-4 with two RBI.

Meanwhile, Murphysboro was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They took a 4-1 hit to the loss column at the hands of Mt. Vernon.

Ayla Smith spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and one unearned) runs on three hits and racked up seven Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 13 consecutive appearances.

Murphysboro's defeat dropped their record down to 5-16. As for Benton, their loss dropped their record down to 12-9.

Murphysboro's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Benton has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .533. It's a different story for Murphysboro, though, as they've only averaged .363. Will they be able to contain Benton's hitters?

Benton might still be hurting after the 12-0 defeat they got from Murphysboro in their previous matchup back in April of 2023. Can the Rangers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.