Softball Game Preview: Livingston Academy Wildcats vs. Clarkrange Buffaloes

The Livingston Academy Wildcats are taking a road trip to face off against the Clarkrange Buffaloes at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Livingston Academy's pitching crew has only allowed 3.7 runs per game this season, so Clarkrange's hitters will have their work cut out for them.

Things were looking good for Livingston Academy after they put the first runs on the board on Tuesday, but unfortunately for them things went downhill from there. They took a 6-2 hit to the loss column at the hands of DeKalb County.

Meanwhile, it may have taken nine innings to finish the job, but Clarkrange ultimately got the result they hoped for on Tuesday. They skirted past Red Boiling Springs 9-8. The Buffaloes' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

Haydan Copley spent all nine innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and four unearned) runs on 11 hits and racked up 16 Ks. Those 16 strikeouts set a new season-high mark for her.

On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Kadey Sells, who scored two runs and stole four bases while getting on base in three of her six plate appearances. Those four stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Peyton Young was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing three bases while going 4-for-4.

Clarkrange kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 16 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.

The victory made it two in a row for Clarkrange and bumps their season record up to 2-3. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.0 runs over those games. As for Livingston Academy, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-4 record this season.

Livingston Academy came out on top in a nail-biter against Clarkrange in their previous matchup back in April of 2023, sneaking past 3-2. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Wildcats since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.