Softball Game Preview: Emerald Vikings vs. Ware Shoals Hornets

The Emerald Vikings will square off against the Ware Shoals Hornets at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Emerald has now lost nine straight, leaving the team hunting for their first win since April 3.

Wednesday just wasn't the day for Emerald's offense. They came up short against Abbeville on Wednesday, falling 16-0.

Ware Shoals came out on top against Abbeville on Monday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run fifth inning. The Hornets had just enough and edged out the Panthers 6-5.

Stella Eichhorn was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out eight over seven innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.

Eichhorn wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Sarah Vinson, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and one triple. Another was Kaylee Watts, who went 1-for-2 with two RBI.

Ware Shoals is on a roll lately: they've won six of their last eight contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-7 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.9 runs on average over those games. As for Emerald, their loss dropped their record down to 2-13.

Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Emerald has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .433. However, it's not like Ware Shoals struggles in that department as they've averaged .493. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Emerald might still be hurting after the 18-0 defeat they got from Ware Shoals when the teams last played back in April. Will the Vikings have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.