Softball Game Preview: Colerain Cardinals vs. Lakota West Firebirds

Colerain is 0-10 against Lakota West since April of 2019 but things could change on Tuesday. The Cardinals will head out on the road to square off against the Firebirds at 5:00 p.m. Colerain has given up an average of 13.5 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Colerain managed to slip by Princeton the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Cardinals came up short against the Vikings on Monday, falling 12-0. While getting shut out isn't ideal, the Cardinals haven't been shut out since back in April.

Meanwhile, Saturday just wasn't the day for Lakota West's offense. They took a 4-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of Mason on Saturday. That's two games in a row now that the Firebirds have lost by exactly four runs.

Lakota West got a good showing from Ava Gilbert, who struck out seven batters over 3.1 innings while giving up just two earned runs off six hits (and not a single walk). Gilbert has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in five consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Lakota West saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Paige Kopp, who went 1-for-3 with one double.

Colerain's defeat dropped their record down to 5-15. As for Lakota West, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 11-8.

Tuesday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Colerain hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .317. However, it's not like Lakota West struggles in that department as they've averaged .326. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Colerain suffered a grim 8-1 defeat to Lakota West when the teams last played two weeks ago. Can the Cardinals avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.