Softball Game Preview: Polk County Slammers vs. Pierce Bluejays

Polk County is on an eight-game streak of home losses dating back to last season, and Pierce a nine-game streak of away losses also dating back to last season. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Thursday. The Polk County Slammers will be playing in front of their home fans against the Pierce Bluejays at 6:00 p.m.

Polk County is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 12 runs on Saturday, they were much more limited against Aquinas on Tuesday. They took a 6-2 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Monarchs.

Polk County saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Mady Berggren, who went 1-for-4 with one stolen base and one run.

Pierce came out on top against Tekamah-Herman on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive 12-run third inning. The Bluejays blew past the Tigers 15-3. With that victory, the Bluejays brought their scoring average up to 6.2 runs per game.

Savannah Beutler was a standout: she went a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs and four RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in September. Another player making a difference was Athena Bretschneider, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI.

Pierce hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They are 6-2 when they post two or more strikeouts.

Polk County's loss dropped their record down to 4-20. As for Pierce, their win ended a five-game drought at home and bumped them up to 10-18.

Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Polk County hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .343. However, it's not like Pierce struggles in that department as they've averaged .316. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Polk County suffered a grim 11-4 defeat to Pierce when the teams last played back in September. Will the Slammers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.