Softball Game Preview: Delphi Community Oracles vs. Pioneer Panthers

The Delphi Community Oracles will take on the Pioneer Panthers at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Last Saturday, Delphi Community made easy work of Faith Christian and carried off a 14-3 win. The victory continues a trend for the Oracles in their matchups with the Eagles: they've now won three in a row.

Meanwhile, Pioneer was able to grind out a solid win over Argos on Monday, taking the game 7-2.

Lois Layer made a splash while hitting and pitching. She struck out ten batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits (and not a single walk). Layer was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-4. Layer is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: she's snagged at least one every time she's taken the field this season.

In other batting news, Ava Ott and Ava Beasy did most of the damage at the plate: Ott went a perfect 4-for-4 with three RBI and one double, while Beasy scored two runs while going 3-for-4. That's the most RBI Ott has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Averi Layer, who scored two runs while going 2-for-4.

Pioneer kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least nine hits in eight consecutive contests dating back to last season.

Delphi Community's victory was their fifth straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 2-2. The road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.0 runs over those games. As for Pioneer, they now have a winning record of 3-2.

Delphi Community suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to Pioneer in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Will the Oracles have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.