Softball Preview: Northfield Nighthawks vs. Denver North Vikings
Northfield is 7-2 against Denver North since October of 2018, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Thursday. The Northfield Nighthawks will be staying on the road to face off against the Denver North Vikings at 6:00 p.m. Northfield is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.9 runs per game this season.
Northfield came up short against Rangeview on Tuesday, falling 19-7. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Nighthawks have suffered against the Raiders since August 20, 2018.
Bella Robles made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with three RBI, a stolen base, and a double. The team also got some help courtesy of Carlene Reichmuth, who got on base in all three of her plate appearances with two RBI.
Meanwhile, Denver North won against Rangeview on Friday with 17 runs and they decided to stick to that run total again on Tuesday. Denver North was the clear victor by a 17-1 margin over Denver East. Considering the Vikings have won nine games by more than nine runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Xavia Escobedo was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing four innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring three runs while going 3-for-3.
In other batting news, Denver North got a massive performance out of Veronica Loera-Tafoya, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and a triple. Gabriela Diaz was another key player, going 1-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and a triple.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, Denver North was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .484. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .424 or higher in three consecutive matches.
Northfield's defeat was their sixth straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 5-17. As for Denver North, the win got them back to even at 11-11.
Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Northfield has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of 0. However, it's not like Denver North struggles in that department as they've averaged 0. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Northfield suffered a grim 17-2 defeat to Denver North in their previous meeting back in September. Can Northfield avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
