Softball Game Preview: Seymour Eagles vs. Gatlinburg-Pittman Highlanders

The Seymour Eagles will challenge the Gatlinburg-Pittman Highlanders at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Seymour has given up an average of 10 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.

Tuesday just wasn't the day for Seymour's offense. They came up short against Cocke County on Tuesday, falling 11-0. The match marked the first time this year in which the Eagles were not able to get on the board.

Meanwhile, Gatlinburg-Pittman put another one in the bag on Thursday to keep their perfect season alive. They were the clear victor by a 15-7 margin over Oneida. The Highlanders might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won three contests by eight runs or more this season.

Bailey Norris was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 11 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and five unearned) runs off eight hits (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one walk any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 3-for-5. She also put up a double, which was her first of the season.

In other batting news, Ashlynn Kunkle and Sadie Moore did most of the damage at the plate: Kunkle fired off two home runs, four runs, and three RBI while going 3-for-5, while Moore got on base in all five of her plate appearances with three stolen bases, four RBI, and one triple. Moore is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: she's snagged at least one every time she's taken the field this season. Another player making a difference was Ryleigh Mercogliano, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4.

Gatlinburg-Pittman kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least ten hits every time they've taken the field this season.

Seymour dropped their record down to 2-6 with the defeat, which was their ninth straight at home dating back to last season. As for Gatlinburg-Pittman, their victory bumped their record up to 4-0.

Seymour took their win against Gatlinburg-Pittman in their previous meeting back in March of 2024 by a conclusive 10-1. Will Seymour repeat their success, or does Gatlinburg-Pittman have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.