Softball Game Preview: Mansfield Lions vs. Houston Tigers

The Mansfield Lions will be defending their home field for the first time this season when they go up against the Houston Tigers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Mansfield lost 13-3 to Plato on Monday. The loss continues a trend for the Lions in their meetings with the Eagles: they've now lost three in a row.

Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Houston faced off against Steelville on Tuesday. Houston was the clear victor by a 20-3 margin over Steelville. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Tigers.

Makinley Aaron made a big impact no matter where she played. She pitched three innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off two hits. Aaron was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-2.

In other batting news, Houston let Sophia Crites and Gracyn McNiell run wild. Crites scored a run and stole three bases while going 1-for-2, while McNiell went 1-for-2 with four RBI, one triple, and one run. Lacey Cavaness was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-2.

Houston always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .629. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Steelville only posted an OBP of .400.

Mansfield's defeat dropped their record down to 0-2. Houston has also opened the season with a perfect 2-0 record.