Softball Game Preview: Thatcher Eagles vs. Tanque Verde Hawks

Thatcher is 0-4 against Tanque Verde since March of 2015 but things could change on Thursday. The Eagles will be playing in front of their home fans against the Hawks at 4:00 p.m. Thatcher has given up an average of 9.2 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Thatcher is headed into Thursday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Tuesday. They came up short against Valley Christian, falling 14-3.

Meanwhile, Tanque Verde had already won eight in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 14.9 runs) and they went ahead and made it nine on Tuesday. Their pitchers stepped up to hand the Trojans an 18-0 shutout. The Hawks might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 14 contests by seven runs or more this season.

Claire Achilles was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in 14 consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with one triple, one stolen base, and two RBI. That triple marked the first that she hit this season.

In other batting news, Tanque Verde got a massive performance out of Camila Canchola, who scored two runs while going 3-for-3. That's the most hits Canchola has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Cassidy Jones, who scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.

Tanque Verde always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .963. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Tanque Verde's win was their 12th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 19-4. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.9 runs on average over those games. As for Thatcher, their defeat dropped their record down to 9-11.

Thatcher might still be hurting after the 12-1 loss they got from Tanque Verde when the teams last played back in March of 2024. Can the Eagles avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.