Softball Game Preview: Albuquerque Bulldogs vs. Rio Grande Ravens

Albuquerque has gone a perfect 10-0 against Rio Grande recently and they'll look to pad the win column further on Tuesday. The Bulldogs will look to defend their home field against the Ravens at 3:30 p.m. Albuquerque is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.6 runs per game this season.

Albuquerque took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. They put the hurt on West Mesa with a sharp 15-5 win. The Bulldogs haven't had any issues with the Mustangs recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive victory against them.

Elyssa Russell

Runs (Career)

04/18/25 vs West Mesa	3
03/26/25 @ St. Pius X	2
04/27/24 vs Manzano	2
04/20/24 @ Rio Grande	2
04/11/25 vs Los Lunas	1

Elyssa Russell was incredible, firing off two home runs, six RBI, and three runs while going 4-for-4. Those three runs gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Luna Diaz, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.

They weren't the only ones working in the home run department: Albuquerque lost a few balls and finished the game with four home runs. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now launched at least two home runs in three consecutive matches.

Meanwhile, Rio Grande came up short against West Mesa on Tuesday, falling 16-5. The Ravens have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Mercedes Valenzuela made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Brianna Knight, who went 1-for-2 with two RBI and one double.

Albuquerque's win bumped their record up to 12-8. As for Rio Grande, their loss dropped their record down to 6-11.

Albuquerque took their victory against Rio Grande in their previous matchup on April 4th by a conclusive 17-1 score. Will the Bulldogs repeat their success, or do the Ravens have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.