Softball Preview: Largo Packers vs. Tarpon Springs Spongers
Largo has been on the road for four straight, but on Thursday they'll finally head home. They will take on the Tarpon Springs Spongers at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Largo is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 7.3 runs per game this season.
Last Tuesday, Largo fell victim to a tough 14-4 loss at the hands of Northeast. The defeat unfortunately continues a disappointing trend for Largo in their matchups with Northeast: they've now lost eight in a row.
Miranda Rollins was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now stolen at least one in the last three games she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Lacy Smithson, who went 1-for-2 with a stolen base and an RBI.
Meanwhile, in what's become a running theme this season, Tarpon Springs gave their fans yet another huge win on Monday. They never let Gibbs onto the board and left with an 18-0 victory. While fans of Tarpon Springs might be used to big wins, the 18-run margin marked the team's biggest win yet this season.
Alexis McLaughlin made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). McLaughlin was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.
In other batting news, Kaylen McLaughlin was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing three bases while going 3-for-3. Paige Viegut was another key contributor, scoring three runs and stealing five bases while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.
Largo's loss dropped their record down to 4-7. As for Tarpon Springs, their victory bumped their record up to an identical 4-7.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Largo has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.5 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Tarpon Springs struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.4. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Largo took their win against Tarpon Springs in their previous meeting back in March of 2023 by a conclusive 20-1. Will Largo repeat their success, or does Tarpon Springs have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
