Softball Game Preview: Smithfield Packers vs. Gloucester Dukes

The Smithfield Packers will face off against the Gloucester Dukes at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

Smithfield is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Thursday. Their pitchers stepped up to hand Manor a 20-0 shutout. The victory was some much needed relief for the Packers as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.

Peyton Gilliam was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double. Another player making a difference was Cheyenne Debusk, who went 1-for-2 with two runs and one stolen base.

Smithfield always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .769. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Manor only posted an OBP of .278.

Meanwhile, Gloucester put another one in the bag last Thursday to keep their perfect season alive. They blew past Woodside 25-0. The Dukes' pitching crew has been rock solid lately; the team hasn't given up a run in their last eight matchups.

Smithfield's record now sits at 10-8. As for Gloucester, they pushed their record up to 21-0 with the win, which was their 11th straight at home.

Smithfield might still be hurting after the 13-1 loss they got from Gloucester when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Can the Packers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.