Softball Game Preview: Shady Spring Tigers vs. Independence Patriots

The Shady Spring Tigers will head out to square off against the Independence Patriots at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Shady Spring didn't have quite enough to beat Nicholas County and fell 3-2.

Shady Spring got a good showing from Raelynn Williams, who struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits (and only one walk).

Independence came out on top against Woodrow Wilson on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run second inning. The Patriots came out on top against the Flying Eagles by a score of 8-0 (the very same score they lost by in their prior game). The result was nothing new for the Patriots, who have now won 12 matches by seven runs or more so far this season.

Kenzie Pierce tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run while striking out seven over five innings pitched. Those seven strikeouts gave her a new career-high.

On the hitting side, Ava Parks was incredible, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, two doubles, and one run. That's the most doubles she has posted since back in March. Paytin Brehm also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.

Independence hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Woodrow Wilson struck out seven times.

Independence is on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four games. That's provided a nice bump to their 15-6 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Shady Spring, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-8 record this season.

Shady Spring couldn't quite get it done against Independence in their previous meeting back in March as they fell 8-4. Can the Tigers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.