Softball Game Preview: Chaparral Wolverines vs. ThunderRidge Grizzlies

The Chaparral Wolverines will head out to face off against the ThunderRidge Grizzlies at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. Chaparral is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.6 runs per game this season.

On Wednesday, Chaparral didn't have quite enough to beat Legend and fell 5-4.

Evie Smith made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. Keegan Freitas also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen bases of the season.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for ThunderRidge, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Monday. They put the hurt on Highlands Ranch with a sharp 11-0 victory on Wednesday.

Haley Ortega looked comfortable as she didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched.

ThunderRidge kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least ten hits in three consecutive games.

ThunderRidge's win bumped their record up to 7-13. As for Chaparral, their defeat dropped their record down to 11-10.

Thursday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Chaparral hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .343. However, it's not like ThunderRidge struggles in that department as they've averaged .361. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Everything went Chaparral's way against ThunderRidge in their previous matchup back in September of 2024, as Chaparral made off with a 10-2 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Wolverines since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.