Softball Preview: Mathis Pirates vs. Odem Owls
Mathis is 9-1 against Odem since March of 2019, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Tuesday. The Mathis Pirates will head out on the road to challenge the Odem Owls at 6:00 p.m. Mathis is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 6.8 runs per game this season.
After a string of four wins, Mathis' good fortune finally ran out on Friday. They took a 10-6 hit to the loss column at the hands of Goliad. Mathis has not had much luck with Goliad recently, as the team's come up short the last two times they've met.
Alyssa Herrera spent all seven innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and six unearned) runs on six hits and racked up seven Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't pitched less than five innings in three consecutive pitching appearances.
At the plate, Angelina Hernandez made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI. Marivel Martinez was another key contributor, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-4.
Meanwhile, after only two runs in their last matchup, Odem made sure to put some runs up on the board against Aransas Pass on Friday. Odem blew past Aransas Pass 11-1. That ten run margin sets a new team best for Odem this season.
Aria Bray was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out 11 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. Bray was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with two triples, two runs, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Isabella Salazar was incredible, going 3-for-4 with four RBI and a double. Another player making a difference was Anabella Santellana, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-4.
Mathis' loss ended an eight-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 19-9. As for Odem, their win bumped their record up to 8-16-3.
Mathis' speedy runners might be the difference in Tuesday's match. Mathis has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.2 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Odem, though, as they've been averaging only 1.2. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Mathis continue to outrun the ball?
Mathis came out on top in a nail-biter against Odem when the teams last played back in March, sneaking past 3-1. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Bray, who struck out six batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits (and only one walk). Now that she's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Mathis still be able to contain Bray? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
