Softball Game Preview: Clark Cougars vs. Taft Raiders

For the second straight game, Clark will face off against Taft. The Cougars will take on the Raiders at 12:00 p.m. on Friday. Clark is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.6 runs per game this season.

Clark is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Thursday. Everything went their way against Taft as they made off with a 15-5 victory. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest win the Cougars have posted against the Raiders since February 20, 2018.

Natalie Bautista spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and three unearned) runs on nine hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Clark got a massive performance out of Madyson Martinez, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with one home run, three stolen bases, and four runs. That's the most stolen bases Martinez has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Rylee Luna, who went 4-for-5 with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base.

Clark always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .632. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Taft only posted an OBP of .300.

The victory made it two in a row for Clark and bumps their season record up to 19-11. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 6 runs in those games. As for Taft, they are on a five-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 18-11.

Fans could be in store for some top-tier slugging on Friday. Clark hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.4 home runs per game. However, it's not like Taft struggles in that department as they've been averaging 0.4 home runs. With so much power on both teams, it'll be down to the pitchers to keep the mound locked down. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.