Softball Game Preview: Meridian Yellowjackets vs. Italy Gladiators

The Meridian Yellowjackets will venture away from home to challenge the Italy Gladiators at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Meridian is coming into the match on a nine-game losing streak dating back to last season.

Meridian lost 18-3 to Itasca on Friday.

Mailey Padgett made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 1-for-1 with one stolen base and two RBI.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Italy). They put the hurt on Hico with a sharp 24-8 win on Friday. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the team's high-flying offense, the game also marked the team's biggest victory of the season.

Italy got a massive performance out of Addy Slovak, who fired off two home runs, five runs, and seven RBI while going 5-for-5. The dominant performance gave Slovak a new career-high in hits. Another player making a difference was Charlea Padilla, who fired off three home runs, five RBI, and one stolen base while going 4-for-5.

Italy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .667. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Meridian's loss dropped their record down to 0-3. As for Italy, they moved to 4-4 with that win, which also ended their three-game losing streak.

Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Meridian hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .319. However, it's not like Italy struggles in that department as they've averaged .471. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.