Softball Recap: Puyallup Vikings vs. Rogers Rams
Puyallup proved they can win big last Saturday (they won by 11) but on Monday they proved they can win the close ones too. They skirted past the Rogers Rams 4-2. That result was just more of the same for these two, as Puyallup also won the last time the pair played back in May of 2023.
Kiera Thomas was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits. Thomas was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBI.
In other batting news, Kyra Smith was excellent, going 1-for-4 with a triple, a run, and an RBI.
Like Puyallup, Rogers also got a great game from a two-way player: Keagan Norfleet. On the mound, she struck out 12 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off nine hits (and only one walk). Norfleet has been consistent recently: she hasn't pitched less than six innings in five consecutive pitching appearances. Norfleet was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 1-for-3.
In other batting news, Raygun Klippert made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and got on base in three of her four plate appearances with four stolen bases. Klippert is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: she's stolen at least one every time she's taken the field this season.
Even though they lost, Rogers didn't let batters stay on the plate for long and finished the game with 12 strikeouts. That's the most strikeouts they've managed all season.
Puyallup pushed their record up to 6-3 with that win, which was their sixth straight on the road dating back to last season. Those victories were due in large part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.2 runs per game. As for Rogers, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games, which put a noticeable dent in their 3-3 record this season.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Puyallup will take on Bellarmine Prep at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Puyallup is facing Bellarmine Prep at the right time seeing as Bellarmine Prep is stuck on a three-game losing streak. As for Rogers, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Olympia at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Olympia will roll in looking for their ninth straight victory, something Rogers surely won't give up without a fight.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
