Softball Game Preview: Somerset Eagles vs. Central Cambria Red Devils

The Somerset Eagles will venture away from home to square off against the Central Cambria Red Devils at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Having struggled with four defeats in a row, Somerset turned things around against Greater Johnstown on Monday. They were the clear victors by a 17-5 margin over the Trojans. That looming 17-5 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Eagles yet this season.

Meanwhile, Central Cambria had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 5.5 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Wednesday. They walked away with an 8-5 victory over the Panthers.

Rowyn Ruddek and Keira Link made a splash no matter where they played. On the mound, Ruddek struck out seven batters over five innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits. Meanwhile, Link tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. That's the most strikeouts Ruddek has posted since back in May of 2024. At bat, Ruddek went a perfect 3-for-3 with one run, while Link went 2-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. Link has been hot recently, having posted at least one home run the last four times she's played.

In other batting news, Aubrey Ruddek was excellent, going 1-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season. Katie George was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base and one run.

Central Cambria hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least two batters in three consecutive matches.

Central Cambria pushed their record up to 9-3 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.5 runs on average over those games. As for Somerset, their record is now 4-8.

Somerset came out on top in a nail-biter against Central Cambria in their previous meeting back in April of 2024, sneaking past 3-2. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Eagles since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.