Softball Game Preview: Buena Bulldogs vs. Rio Mesa Spartans

Buena is 0-10 against Rio Mesa since May of 2021 but things could change on Friday. The Bulldogs will face off against the Spartans at 3:30 p.m. Buena has given up an average of 10.6 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Buena is headed into Friday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Wednesday. They lost 19-5 to Oxnard.

Meanwhile, Rio Mesa was able to grind out a solid win over Buena on Tuesday, taking the game 6-2. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Spartans.

Analia Lopez made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 16 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Jocelyn Gomez, who scored two runs while going 2-for-4. What's more, she posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in February. Jazlynn Gonzalez was another key player, scoring a run while going 3-for-3.

Rio Mesa's victory was their seventh straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 12-5. Those road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.4 runs on average over those games. As for Buena, their loss dropped their record down to 3-10.

Buena couldn't quite get it done against Rio Mesa in their previous matchup on Tuesday as they fell 6-2. Can the Bulldogs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.