Softball Game Preview: Hawkins Hawks vs. Fruitvale Bobcats

For the second straight game, Hawkins will face off against Fruitvale. The Hawks will look to defend their home field on Thursday against the Bobcats at 5:00 p.m. The last three games Hawkins has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.

Hawkins took a nine-run loss the last time they faced off against Fruitvale, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Hawks had just enough and edged out the Bobcats 4-3 on Tuesday.

The team relied heavily on Taetum Smith, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3. Alana Gipson also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.

Hawkins has been performing well recently as they've won nine of their last 12 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 14-10-1 record this season. As for Fruitvale, their defeat was their third straight at home, which dropped their record down to 7-11-1.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Hawkins has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Fruitvale struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.