Softball Game Preview: Yutan-Mead Patriots vs. Auburn Bulldogs

The Yutan-Mead Patriots will be taking part in a tournament against the Auburn Bulldogs at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. Yutan-Mead's pitching crew has only allowed 2.5 runs per game this season, so Auburn's hitters will have their work cut out for them.

While Yutan-Mead's win against Douglas County West wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Patriots skirted past the Falcon 5-4.

Jersey Siske spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned runs on nine hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Adie Gale, who went 1-for-4 with one home run and three RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted over her last 13 contests. Kylie Woster was another key player, going 1-for-2 with one run and one RBI.

Nebraska City hit Auburn with a ten-run fifth inning on Thursday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Bulldogs fell just short of the Pioneers by a score of 17-16. The Bulldogs haven't had much luck with the Pioneers recently, as the team has come up short the last four times they've met.

Yutan-Mead's victory bumped their record up to 18-6. As for Auburn, their loss dropped their record down to 17-8.

Saturday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Yutan-Mead hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .316. However, it's not like Auburn struggles in that department as they've averaged .353. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Yutan-Mead took their win against Auburn when the teams last played back in October of 2024 by a conclusive 12-2 score. Do the Patriots have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Bulldogs turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.