Softball Game Preview: Martinsville Artesians vs. Bedford North Lawrence Stars

The Martinsville Artesians will face off against the Bedford North Lawrence Stars at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Martinsville is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7 runs per game this season.

Martinsville managed to slip by Perry Meridian the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Artesians came up short against the Falcons on Wednesday, falling 15-4.

Aubrie Shepherd made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs. Adison Ford was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two runs and one double.

Meanwhile, after soaring to 11 runs the game before, Bedford North Lawrence was a bit more limited in their matchup on Monday. They fell just short of Northeast Dubois by a score of 3-1. The Stars' loss signaled the end of their three-game winning streak.

Bedford North Lawrence saw six different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Tori Nikirk, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base.

Martinsville dropped their record down to 12-16 with the defeat, which was their seventh straight on the road. As for Bedford North Lawrence, their loss dropped their record down to 19-10.

Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Martinsville hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .344. However, it's not like Bedford North Lawrence struggles in that department as they've averaged .343. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Martinsville came up short against Bedford North Lawrence in their previous matchup back in May of 2023, falling 12-9. Can the Artesians avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.