Softball Game Preview: Brainerd Panthers vs. Marion County Warriors

Brainerd hasn't had much luck against Marion County recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Panthers will head out on the road to square off against the Warriors at 4:30 p.m.

Brainerd is headed into Tuesday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their 19th straight game dating back to last season on Thursday. They came up short against Tyner Academy, falling 10-0. That's two games in a row now that the Panthers have lost by exactly ten runs.

Meanwhile, it may have taken nine innings to finish the job, but Marion County ultimately got the result they hoped for on Monday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 6-5 victory over Franklin County. The win was some much needed relief for the Warriors as it spelled an end to their seven-game losing streak.

Brynna Thomasson spent all nine innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and three unearned) runs on 13 hits and racked up seven Ks. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Kaylee McGowan, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in RBI (two).

Brainerd's loss dropped their record down to 0-6. As for Marion County, their record now sits at 7-10.

Brainerd suffered a grim 11-0 defeat to Marion County in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.