Softball Game Preview: Monticello Billies vs. Stuttgart Ricebirds

The Monticello Billies will venture away from home to square off against the Stuttgart Ricebirds at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Stuttgart took a loss in their last game and will be looking to turn the tables on Monticello, who comes in off a win.

Monticello is headed out to face Stuttgart after opening their season at home and giving their fans just what they were looking for. Monticello put the hurt on Rison with a sharp 17-4 victory on Monday. The Billies haven't had any issues with the Wildcats recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.

Monticello let Kiley Lane and Bliss Becker run wild. Lane went 3-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base, while Becker went 3-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and one double. Grace Ferguson was another key player, going 1-for-2 with one home run and three RBI.

Monticello always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .656. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Rison only posted an OBP of .364.

Meanwhile, Stuttgart had to hit the road for their first game and it wasn't the result they were hoping for. They came up short against DeWitt on Monday, falling 28-0.

Monticello took their victory against Stuttgart when the teams last played back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 7-1. The rematch might be a little tougher for Monticello since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.