Softball Game Preview: Pine Grove Panthers vs. Myrtle Hawks

The Pine Grove Panthers will head out on the road to challenge the Myrtle Hawks at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Myrtle took a loss in their last game and will be looking to turn the tables on Pine Grove, who comes in off a win.

Pine Grove's pitching crew heads into the matchup hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Tuesday. They were the clear victors by a 12-0 margin over Ashland. The win continues a trend for the Panthers in their matchups with the Blue Devils: they've now won six in a row.

Tatum Hatcher was incredible, going 1-for-2 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. Those two RBI gave her a new career-high. Rylie Jones also deserves some recognition as she brought in her first RBI of the season.

Meanwhile, Myrtle fell victim to Booneville and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They lost 7-0 to the Blue Devils. The contest marked the first time this year in which the Hawks were not able to get on the board.

Pine Grove's victory bumped their record up to 11-9. As for Myrtle, their loss dropped their record down to 7-2.

Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Pine Grove has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .475. However, it's not like Myrtle struggles in that department as they've averaged .507. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Pine Grove beat Myrtle 4-1 in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Does Pine Grove have another victory up their sleeve, or will Myrtle turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.