The Prescott Badgers will head out on the road to face off against the Crismon Rattlers at 3:45 p.m. on Friday. Prescott has given up an average of 8.9 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Flagstaff hit Prescott with a five-run first inning on Thursday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Badgers lost 15-7 to the Eagles. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since April 13, 2023, but that streak is no more.
Mariah Smolnikar made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and fired off two home runs, three runs, and four RBI while going 3-for-4. Those home runs were her first of the season. Lilly James was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two runs and one double.
Meanwhile, Crismon waltzed into their contest on Thursday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They were the clear victors by a 16-1 margin over the Eagles. The result was nothing new for the Rattlers, who have now won 14 matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Alexis Galvez looked comfortable as she pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Kyleigh Nekula, who went 2-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and one double. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Sophia Salvidar, who went 2-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one double.
Crismon always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .759. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in five consecutive games.
Crismon's win bumped their record up to 18-7. As for Prescott, their loss dropped their record down to 5-11.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Prescott hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .315. However, it's not like Crismon struggles in that department as they've averaged .444. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
