Softball Game Preview: Grapevine Mustangs vs. Richland Royals

The Grapevine Mustangs will face off against the Richland Royals at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Grapevine is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.5 runs per game this season.

Grapevine is headed into the match having just posted their closest win since April 2, 2024 on Friday. They skirted past Birdville 4-3. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Mustangs.

Bella MacMahon spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned runs on five hits.

On the hitting side, Grapevine saw seven different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Brynn Snyder, who scored a run while going 2-for-4. That's the most hits Snyder has posted since back in February. Ava Snyder also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.

Meanwhile, Richland has relied on a stalwart pitcher averaging 3.61 runs allowed per game, but that average took a hit on Tuesday. They came up short against Birdville, falling 10-1. The Royals have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Grapevine pushed their record up to 14-10 with the victory, which was their fourth straight on the road. Those road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.0 runs over those games. As for Richland, their loss dropped their record down to 12-9-2.

Monday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Grapevine hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .333. However, it's not like Richland struggles in that department as they've averaged .387. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Everything went Grapevine's way against Richland in their previous meeting back in March, as Grapevine made off with a 9-0 victory. Do the Mustangs have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Royals turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.