Softball Game Preview: Monticello Buckaroo vs. Panguitch Bobcats

Monticello is on a nine-game streak of home losses dating back to last season, and Panguitch a three-game streak of away losses. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Friday. The Monticello Buckaroo will host the Panguitch Bobcats at 3:30 p.m. Monticello has given up an average of 14.7 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Tuesday just wasn't the day for Monticello's offense. They lost 11-0 to Panguitch on Tuesday. Having soared to a lofty 18 runs in the game before, the Buckaroo's shutout was a dramatic turnaround.

For Panguitch's part, Katie Hatch made a splash while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out eight over five innings pitched. Those eight strikeouts gave Hatch a new career-high. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with one triple and one RBI. That triple was her first of the season.

In other batting news, Hailey Bangerter was excellent, scoring a run and stealing two bases while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances. Kadee Harland was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-2.

Panguitch was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .381 or higher in nine consecutive matchups dating back to last season.

Monticello's loss dropped their record down to 1-6. As for Panguitch, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-3.