Softball Game Preview: Houston Mustangs vs. Bartlett Panthers

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Previous Games

03/25/25 - Home	16-3 W
05/06/24 - Neutral	11-3 W
04/16/24 - Away	13-7 W
03/26/24 - Home	11-10 W
04/18/23 - Away	16-4 W
+ 5 more games

Houston is 8-2 against Bartlett since March of 2018 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Monday. The Mustangs are taking a road trip to challenge the Panthers at 5:00 p.m. Houston is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.

Houston was handed a seven-run loss in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Thursday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 3-2 win over Collierville. The victory was some much needed relief for the Mustangs as it spelled an end to their six-game losing streak.

Madeleine McClure spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on seven hits and racked up eight Ks.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Lindsey Barnes, who went 1-for-4 with one home run. That home run was her first of the season. Kaylea Howell was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one triple, one stolen base, and one run.

Meanwhile, Wednesday just wasn't the day for Bartlett's offense. They lost 10-0 to Arlington on Wednesday. The Panthers' defeat continues a trend for the team, making it seven in a row.

Bartlett's loss dropped their record down to 2-22. As for Houston, their win bumped their record up to 8-12.

Bartlett's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Houston hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .340. It's a different story for Bartlett, though, as they've only averaged .191. Will they be able to contain Houston's hitters?

Houston took their victory against Bartlett when the teams last played back in March by a conclusive 16-3 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Mustangs since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.