Softball Preview: Central Cobras vs. Centennial Eagles
After three games on the road, Central is heading back home. They will take on the Centennial Eagles at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Central is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 6.7 runs per game this season.
Central will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up two runs last Thursday, then bounced right back against Westwood on Tuesday. Central was the clear victor by a 20-4 margin over Westwood.
Ava Versaci made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. Versaci has been consistent recently: she hasn't pitched less than five innings in seven consecutive pitching appearances. Versaci was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in two of her four plate appearances.
In other batting news, Lilly Herndon was a standout: she scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. She has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last four times she's played. Another player making a difference was Rebekah Reynolds, who scored four runs and stole four bases while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, Centennial didn't have quite enough to beat Palm Beach Gardens on Friday and fell 3-2. That's two games in a row now that Centennial has lost by just one run.
Hailey Brereton spent all 9.1 innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered one run (which was unearned) on four hits and racked up 14 Ks.
Even though they lost, Centennial didn't let batters stay on the plate for long and finished the game with 14 strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Palm Beach Gardens only tossed ten.
Central's win bumped their record up to 4-13. As for Centennial, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 14-7.
Central's speedy runners might be the difference in Monday's matchup. Central has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.2 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Centennial, though, as they've been averaging only 1.3. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Central continue to outrun the ball? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
