Softball Game Preview: George Jenkins Eagles vs. Winter Haven Blue Devils

The George Jenkins Eagles are taking a road trip to square off against the Winter Haven Blue Devils at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. George Jenkins' pitching crew has only allowed 3.2 runs per game this season, so Winter Haven's hitters will have their work cut out for them.

George Jenkins' usually-dominant pitching crew will be looking to make up for Friday's struggle, when Lake Region hitters got past them. The Eagles lost 11-5 to the Thunder on Friday. The Eagles' loss signaled the end of their three-game winning streak.

Riley Pate was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one home run and three RBI.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Winter Haven, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Thursday. They skirted past Sebring 2-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Blue Devils have posted since March 25, 2024.

Leyla Roberts spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on four hits.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Reagan Barrett, who scored two runs while going 2-for-3. That's the most runs she has posted since back in February.

George Jenkins' defeat dropped their record down to 9-7. As for Winter Haven, their win ended a four-game drought at home and bumped them up to 3-12.

Winter Haven's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: George Jenkins hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .321. It's a different story for Winter Haven, though, as they've only averaged .210. Will they be able to contain George Jenkins' hitters?

George Jenkins was able to grind out a solid victory over Winter Haven when the teams last played back in April of 2024, winning 11-6. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Eagles since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.