Softball Game Preview: Pinecrest Patriots vs. Richmond Raiders

Pinecrest hasn't had much luck against Richmond recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Patriots will venture away from home to challenge the Raiders at 6:00 p.m. Pinecrest has given up an average of 11.9 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Pinecrest is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 15 runs on Wednesday, they were much more limited against Union Pines on Thursday. They lost 12-2 to the Vikings.

Pinecrest saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Emily Hatcher, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one run.

Meanwhile, Richmond was not able to break out of their rough patch on Monday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They were two runs away from ending the streak, but they lost a 4-2 heartbreaker at the hands of Manteo.

Madee Pearson was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: she struck out six batters over six innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. That's the fewest hits she has allowed over her last seven matchups.

Pinecrest's loss dropped their record down to 6-16. As for Richmond, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-16.

Monday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Pinecrest hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .348. However, it's not like Richmond struggles in that department as they've averaged .351. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Pinecrest suffered a grim 15-2 defeat to Richmond when the teams last played on April 1st. Can the Patriots avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.