Softball Game Preview: Orange Panthers vs. Estancia Eagles

Orange is 2-8 against Estancia since April of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The Panthers will venture away from home to face off against the Eagles at 3:15 p.m. Orange has given up an average of 13.6 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Orange lost 11-3 to Loara on Friday. The Panthers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Orange saw six different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was LeAnn Velasquez, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI and one double. Liliana Nunez also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.

Meanwhile, it was a Battle of the Birds when Estancia faced off against Santa Ana Valley on Wednesday. The Eagles came up short against the Falcons, falling 12-3. The Eagles haven't had much luck with the Falcons recently, as the team has come up short the last five times they've met.

Jaydin McClure put in work while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over seven innings while giving up five earned (and seven unearned) runs off nine hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent : she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.

Orange's loss dropped their record down to 1-9. As for Estancia, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-7.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Orange has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Estancia struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Orange suffered a grim 14-5 defeat to Estancia in their previous matchup two weeks ago. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.