Softball Game Preview: Gladstone Gladiators vs. Rainier Columbians

The Gladstone Gladiators will be defending their home field for the first time this season when they go up against the Rainier Columbians at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

Gladstone is coming home looking for redemption after taking a loss in their road opener. They took a 4-1 hit to the loss column at the hands of St. Helens on Monday.

Ashlynne Franssen was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. On the mound, she struck out 15 batters over six innings while giving up four earned runs off seven hits (and only one walk). Franssen was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one RBI.

Franssen wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Gabriella Gunderson, who went 1-for-3 with one triple and one run.

Meanwhile, Rainier unfortunately couldn't capitalize on their home-field advantage in their season opener. They came up short against Clatskanie on Monday, falling 15-6. The loss continues a trend for the Columbians in their meetings with the Tigers: they've now lost five in a row.

Nicole Hudson and Destiny McKay did some serious damage despite the final result: Hudson went 1-for-2 with one triple, one run, and one RBI, while McKay scored two runs and stole Two bases. while getting on base in two of her three plate appearances.

Gladstone took their victory against Rainier in their previous meeting back in March of 2024 by a conclusive 14-0. Does Gladstone have another victory up their sleeve, or will Rainier turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.