Softball Preview: Orange Panthers vs. Estancia Eagles
Orange is 1-9 against Estancia since March of 2017 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Wednesday. The Orange Panthers will head out on the road to square off against the Estancia Eagles at 3:15 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the two teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Orange put the finishing touches on their sixth blowout victory of the season two weeks ago. They put the hurt on Santa Ana with a sharp 13-7 victory. The win made it back-to-back victories for Orange.
SCARLETT POITRA was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out 11 over seven innings pitched. POITRA has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in six consecutive pitching appearances. POITRA was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing five bases while going 4-for-5.
In other batting news, Orange got a massive performance out of SOFIA BRACAMONTES, who went 2-for-2 with four RBI, a stolen base, and a run. Another player making a difference was DELILAH SOLORIO, who scored a run while going 3-for-5.
Meanwhile, Estancia scored the most runs they've had all season to find success on Friday. They blew past Saddleback 29-4. The win was just what Estancia needed coming off of a 10-0 defeat in their prior match.
Like Orange, Estancia also got a great game from a two-way player: Jaydin McClure. She tossed 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (she also only allowed one walk). McClure was even better at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a home run, three stolen bases, and three runs.
In other batting news, Peyton Thomas was a standout: she scored four runs and stole two bases while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances. The team also got some help courtesy of Heather Fultz, who scored four runs and stole three bases while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances.
Orange's victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 7-4. Those good results were due in large part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.3 runs per game. As for Estancia, their win ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 5-12.
Wednesday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Orange has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .503. However, it's not like Estancia struggles in that department as they've averaged .450. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Orange suffered a grim 17-8 defeat to Estancia in their previous meeting back in April of 2023. Can Orange avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
