Softball Game Preview: Las Vegas Wildcats vs. Mojave Rattlers

Las Vegas is preparing for their first league matchup of the season on Tuesday. They will host the Mojave Rattlers at 3:30 p.m. The timing is sure in Las Vegas' favor as the squad sits on three straight wins at home while Mojave has been banged up by five consecutive losses on the road dating back to last season.

While Las Vegas didn't have the best season last year (they finished 0-11), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They put the hurt on Eldorado with a sharp 26-8 victory on Thursday. The Wildcats might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won six games by six runs or more this season.

Amanii Darby was a standout: she scored three runs while getting on base in three of her six plate appearances. Alexia Chavez was another key player, scoring two runs while going 1-for-3.

Meanwhile, after soaring to 13 runs the game before, Mojave was a bit more limited in their matchup on Friday. They took a 5-2 hit to the loss column at the hands of Clark.

Jadin Broadnax made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored a run and stole five bases while getting on base in two of her four plate appearances. Those five stolen bases gave her a new career-high.

Las Vegas is on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 6-2 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 22.2 runs over those games. Mojave's defeat dropped their record down to 2-5.

Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Las Vegas has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .502. However, it's not like Mojave struggles in that department as they've averaged .466. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Las Vegas couldn't quite get it done against Mojave in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 as they fell 13-10. Can Las Vegas avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.