Softball Game Preview: Irvin Rockets vs. Jefferson Silver Foxes

Irvin is 1-9 against Jefferson since April of 2017 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The Irvin Rockets will square off against the Jefferson Silver Foxes at 6:00 p.m. Irvin has given up an average of 16.3 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.

Tuesday just wasn't the day for Irvin's offense. They lost 15-0 to Andress on Tuesday. The game marked the first time this year in which the Rockets were not able to get on the board.

Meanwhile, Jefferson came tearing into Tuesday's match with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 11.5 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They came out on top against the Scorpions by a score of 20-17. The Silver Foxes' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

The team relied heavily on Luz Ayala, who fired off two home runs, six RBI, and three runs while going 5-for-5. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in doubles (two). Another player making a difference was Isabel Sealey, who scored four runs and stole Three bases. while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances.

Ayala wasn't the only one working in the hit department: Jefferson kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 19 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 11 hits in six consecutive contests.

The victory got Jefferson back to even at 9-9. As for Irvin, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-10.

Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Irvin has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .572. However, it's not like Jefferson struggles in that department as they've averaged .583. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Irvin might still be hurting after the 18-2 loss they got from Jefferson in their previous matchup back in April of 2022. Can Irvin avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.