Softball Game Preview: Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs vs. Clayton Comets

Southeast Raleigh is 0-10 against Clayton since May of 2017 but things could change on Friday. The Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs will be playing in front of their home fans against the Clayton Comets at 4:00 p.m. Southeast Raleigh has given up an average of 21.7 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.

Southeast Raleigh is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 26 runs on Monday, they were much more limited against Fuquay - Varina on Tuesday. They came up short against the Bengals, falling 20-1.

Meanwhile, Clayton posted their closest victory since April 30, 2024 on Tuesday. They skirted past Garner 5-4. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Comets.

Izzy Tart spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and one unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up 11 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts any time she's pitched this season.

At the plate, Autumn Joyce was incredible, firing off two home runs while going 2-for-4. Those two home runs gave her a new career-high.

Joyce wasn't the only one working in the home run department: Clayton lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.

Clayton pushed their record up to 6-1 with the win, which was their third straight at home. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.7 runs on average over those games. As for Southeast Raleigh, their loss dropped their record down to 2-5.

Friday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Southeast Raleigh has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .648. However, it's not like Clayton struggles in that department as they've averaged .504. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Southeast Raleigh might still be hurting after the 19-2 defeat they got from Clayton in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can Southeast Raleigh avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.