Softball Game Preview: Patton Panthers vs. Maiden Blue Devils

The Patton Panthers will head out to take on the Maiden Blue Devils at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Patton's hitters haven't had much luck over their past four matchups, but Thursday's contest will give them a chance to turn things around.

Tuesday just wasn't the day for Patton's offense. They came up short against R-S Central on Tuesday, falling 15-0.

Maiden never got on the board in their matchup two weeks ago, but that sure wasn't the case in their game against West Iredell on Tuesday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Warriors an 11-0 shutout. That 11-run margin sets a new team best for the Blue Devils this season.

Raegan Rembert was a major factor no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out seven over six innings pitched. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-5 with one run.

In other batting news, Sydney Sigmon and Maddy Clontz did most of the damage at the plate: Sigmon went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one triple, while Clontz went a perfect 4-for-4 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. That's the most RBI Clontz has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Aaralyn Bodenheimer, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.

Maiden always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .513. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Maiden's win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 6-8. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.0 runs over those games. As for Patton, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-9.

Patton might still be hurting after the 13-5 loss they got from Maiden in their previous meeting back in April of 2016. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.