Softball Game Preview: Ferguson Falcons vs. Hialeah Gardens Gladiators

The Ferguson Falcons are taking a road trip to challenge the Hialeah Gardens Gladiators at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.

On Thursday, Ferguson came up short against American and fell 8-3. The Falcons have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Ferguson saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Emma Nieves, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-1.

Meanwhile, after a string of three wins, Hialeah Gardens' good fortune finally ran out on Wednesday. They lost 9-3 to American. Gladiators fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Patriots since on Wednesday.

Krystal Martinez was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-3. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Delania Aleman, who scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.

Ferguson's defeat dropped their record down to 7-7. As for Hialeah Gardens, their loss dropped their record down to 5-4.

Friday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Ferguson hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .356. However, it's not like Hialeah Gardens struggles in that department as they've averaged .432. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Everything went Ferguson's way against Hialeah Gardens in their previous matchup back in March of 2019, as Ferguson made off with a 17-2 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Falcons since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.