Softball Game Preview: Hot Springs Tigers vs. Loving Falcons

The Hot Springs Tigers will take on the Loving Falcons in a tournament on Friday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.

Having struggled with three losses in a row, Hot Springs turned things around against McCurdy on Saturday. They skirted past the Bobcats 11-10. With that victory, the Tigers brought their scoring average up to 6.1 runs per game.

Lilyanna Castaneda made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over six innings while giving up four earned (and five unearned) runs off seven hits. Castaneda was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. That home run was her first of the season.

In other batting news, Monique Garcia was excellent, scoring two runs and stealing three bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Autumn Baquera, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-4.

17 must be Loving's lucky number: they beat Dora with that score not once but twice on Wednesday. The Falcons didn't even let the Coyotes on the board, marking the Falcons' second-straight 17-0 shutout. The result was nothing new for the Falcons, who have now won five games by six runs or more so far this season.

The win made it two in a row for Loving and bumps their season record up to 5-6. The victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 0 runs in those games. As for Hot Springs, their win bumped their record up to 2-7.

Loving's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Hot Springs has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .491. It's a different story for Loving, though, as they've only averaged .201. Will they be able to contain Hot Springs' hitters? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.