Softball Game Preview: Upsala Cardinals vs. Parkers Prairie Panthers

Upsala is a perfect 3-0 against Parkers Prairie since April of 2023 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Cardinals will welcome the Panthers at 4:30 p.m. After the two teams made easy work of their previous opponents, one won't be so lucky on Friday.

Parkers Prairie will challenge a team with plenty of momentum: Upsala extended their winning streak to six on Wednesday. The Cardinals put the hurt on Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale with a sharp 12-2 victory.

Meanwhile, Parkers Prairie made easy work of Brandon/Evansville on Thursday and carried off a 10-4 win. The Panthers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven matchups by six runs or more this season.

Evy Grinager looked comfortable as she struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (and not a single walk). That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April.

At the plate, Anya Wagner was incredible, going 3-for-4 with four stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. Another player making a difference was Anna Helling, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.

Parkers Prairie 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 nine hits in four consecutive contests.

Upsala pushed their record up to 10-8 with the victory, which was their fifth straight on the road. The road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 16.4 runs over those games. As for Parkers Prairie, their victory bumped their record up to 8-6.

Upsala beat Parkers Prairie 6-2 in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Will the Cardinals repeat their success, or do the Panthers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.