Softball Game Preview: Clayton Yellowjackets vs. Estancia Bears

The Clayton Yellowjackets are taking a road trip to square off against the Estancia Bears at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

Clayton came out on top against Pecos on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive 16-run sixth inning. The Yellowjackets blew past the Panthers 24-13. The victory was some much needed relief for the Yellowjackets as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.

Issabell Reed was a standout: she got on base in five of her six plate appearances with four runs, two stolen bases, and one RBI. That RBI was her first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Briana Taylor, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with four stolen bases and four runs.

Clayton always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .826. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .769 or higher in six consecutive matches.

Meanwhile, Estancia entered their tilt with Logan on Monday with 11 consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with 12. Their pitchers stepped up to hand the Longhorns a 15-0 shutout. That's two games straight that the Bears have won by exactly 15 runs.

Estancia's win was their 17th straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 16-2. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 16.9 runs over those games. As for Clayton, their win bumped their record up to 6-8.

Clayton beat Estancia 12-8 in their previous meeting back in March of 2022. Do the Yellowjackets have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Bears turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.