Softball Game Preview: Bluefield Beavers vs. Graham G-Men

The Bluefield Beavers will head out on the road to square off against the Graham G-Men at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Bluefield has given up an average of 13.3 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Bluefield came up short against Greenbrier East on Wednesday, falling 14-6. The Beavers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Audra Rockness was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring two runs while going 1-for-2. Taylor Mabry was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double.

For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Graham and James Monroe meet (three straight games heading into this one) and that held true again last Tuesday. The G-Men lost 20-9 to the Mavericks. The loss put an end to the G-Men's undefeated start to the season.

Riley Harvey and Bella Kaklis did some serious damage despite the final result: Harvey scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4, while Kaklis scored two runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-3. Harvey has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last four times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Stevie Sparks, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4.

Bluefield's defeat dropped their record down to 1-6. As for Graham, their loss was their first of the season and makes their record 2-1.

Thursday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Bluefield hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .342. However, it's not like Graham struggles in that department as they've averaged .525. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Bluefield might still be hurting after the 16-6 defeat they got from Graham in their previous meeting back in March. Can the Beavers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.