Softball Game Preview: Santa Cruz Valley Dust Devils vs. Arizona Lutheran Academy Coyotes

The Santa Cruz Valley Dust Devils will face off against the Arizona Lutheran Academy Coyotes at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Santa Cruz Valley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.2 runs per game this season.

Santa Cruz Valley took a loss when they played away from home on Monday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Tombstone, sneaking past 8-6.

Alyssa Flores spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and four unearned) runs on eight hits. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in ten consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Santa Cruz Valley saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Emilee Brown, who went 2-for-3 with two runs.

Meanwhile, Arizona Lutheran Academy was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They lost 21-0 to Horizon Honors. Having soared to a lofty 13 runs in the game before, the Coyotes' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.

Santa Cruz Valley has been performing well recently as they've won six of their last eight contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 16-8 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.4 runs over those games. As for Arizona Lutheran Academy, they now have a losing record of 7-8.

Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Santa Cruz Valley has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .471. However, it's not like Arizona Lutheran Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .487. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Santa Cruz Valley took their win against Arizona Lutheran Academy in their previous matchup last Monday by a conclusive 19-1 score. Will the Dust Devils repeat their success, or do the Coyotes have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.