Softball Game Preview: Mesa Jackrabbits vs. Dobson Mustangs

The Mesa Jackrabbits will head out to square off against the Dobson Mustangs at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. Mesa has now lost 15 straight, leaving the team hunting for their first win since March 2.

Tuesday just wasn't the day for Mesa's offense. They came up short against Red Mountain on Tuesday, falling 27-0.

Skyline hit Dobson with a seven-run sixth inning on Tuesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Mustangs fell 11-8 to the Coyotes. The Mustangs have struggled against the Coyotes recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost matchup.

Allie Hanson spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered five earned (and six unearned) runs on 14 hits and racked up 11 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 12 consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Mersades Torres made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 4-for-5 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. She has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last four times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Kiley Beard, who went 2-for-4 with five RBI and one double.

Mesa's loss dropped their record down to 1-16. As for Dobson, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-10.

Mesa's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's contest. The Jackrabbits have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.6 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Dobson, though, as they've been averaging only 1.2 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Mesa continue to outrun the ball?

Mesa might still be hurting after the 23-1 loss they got from Dobson in their previous matchup on Thursday. Can the Jackrabbits avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.