Softball Game Preview: Valley City Hi-Liners vs. Red River Roughriders

The Valley City Hi-Liners will face off against the Red River Roughriders at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Valley City has given up an average of 16.4 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Shanley hit Valley City with a four-run third inning on Tuesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Hi-Liners lost 14-4 to the Deacons.

Bailey Leroux made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and got on base in all three of her plate appearances with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Red River). They never let Fargo South get on the board and left with a 15-0 victory on Tuesday. The win continues a trend for the Roughriders in their matchups with the Bruins: they've now won three in a row.

Jocelyn Berg was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, five RBI, and one double. That double marked the first that she has hit this season.

Red River always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .533. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Valley City now has a losing record of 2-3. As for Red River, their victory bumped their record up to 4-6-1.

Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Valley City hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .390. However, it's not like Red River struggles in that department as they've averaged .314. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Valley City suffered a grim 13-1 defeat to Red River in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Will the Hi-Liners 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.