Softball Game Preview: Dixie Heights Colonels vs. Ryle Raiders

The Dixie Heights Colonels will square off against the Ryle Raiders at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Dixie Heights has a tough task ahead: they'll enter the game with six straight defeats, while Ryle will come in with three straight wins.

Dixie Heights lost 18-5 to Bishop Brossart on Wednesday. That's two games in a row now that the Colonels have lost by exactly 13 runs.

Meanwhile, Ryle never let their opponents score on Wednesday. Everything went their way against Holy Cross as they made off with a 9-0 victory. Considering the Raiders have won nine matches by more than six runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.

Laci DeLauder was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 11 over seven innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with two RBI.

In other batting news, Leah Broussard was excellent, going 2-for-4 with two runs and one double. Makenna Hirshey was another key player, earning two runs and two stolen bases.

Ryle pushed their record up to 12-4-1 with the win, which was their third straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.7 runs on average over those games. As for Dixie Heights, their loss dropped their record down to 2-14.

Dixie Heights suffered a grim 16-0 defeat to Ryle in their previous matchup back in March. Will the Colonels 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.