Softball Game Preview: Moreno Valley Vikings vs. Lakeside Lancers

The Moreno Valley Vikings will venture away from home to face off against the Lakeside Lancers at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday. Moreno Valley has given up an average of 9.1 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Moreno Valley is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 29 runs on Thursday, they were much more limited against Rancho Verde on Tuesday. They lost 12-1 to the Mustangs. The defeat continues a trend for the Vikings in their meetings with the Mustangs: they've now lost three in a row.

Meanwhile, Lakeside got the win against Rancho Christian on Tuesday by a conclusive 11-1. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Lancers.

Michaela Alverado spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on four hits and racked up eight Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Savana Swick, who scored four runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-4. Those three hits gave her a new career-high. Jaycee Regan also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.

Moreno Valley's loss dropped their record down to 4-7. As for Lakeside, their win bumped their record up to 4-10.

Moreno Valley's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's contest. The Vikings have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 8 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Lakeside, though, as they've been averaging only 1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Moreno Valley continue to outrun the ball?

Moreno Valley suffered a grim 12-1 defeat to Lakeside when the teams last played back in April of 2021. Can the Vikings avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.