Softball Game Preview: Lincoln Trojans vs. Lodi Flames

The Lincoln Trojans are taking a road trip to face off against the Lodi Flames at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Lincoln is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season.

Lincoln is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 18 runs last Tuesday, they were much more limited against Tracy on Tuesday. They lost 11-0 to the Bulldogs. The defeat continues a trend for the Trojans in their meetings with the Bulldogs: they've now lost six in a row.

Meanwhile, Lodi beat St. Mary's 5-2 on Wednesday. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Flames.

Ashlyn Jubrey was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 15 over seven innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in ten consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two runs, two doubles, and one RBI. That's the most doubles she has posted since back in February.

In other batting news, Ellie Schallberger was excellent, going 3-for-4 with two runs and two doubles. Those two doubles gave her a new career-high.

Lodi hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as St. Mary's struck out 15 times.

Lincoln now has a losing record of 12-13. As for Lodi, their record now sits at 17-6.

Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Lincoln hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .328. However, it's not like Lodi struggles in that department as they've averaged .360. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Lincoln came up short against Lodi in their previous meeting back in April, falling 5-2. Can the Trojans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.