Softball Game Preview: James Lick Comets vs. Gunderson Grizzlies

The James Lick Comets will venture away from home to challenge the Gunderson Grizzlies at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. James Lick is looking for their season's first victory.

James Lick is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 11 runs on Wednesday, they were much more limited against Evergreen Valley on Friday. They came up short against the Cougars, falling 12-2. That's two games in a row now that the Comets have lost by exactly ten runs.

Meanwhile, after a string of five wins, Gunderson's good fortune finally ran out on Friday. They fell just short of Independence by a score of 9-7. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Grizzlies have suffered since May 3, 2024.

Dezirae Regalado was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off four hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 1-for-1.

Regalado wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Chiemi Wong, who scored a run and stole three bases while going 1-for-2. Those three stolen bases gave Wong a new career-high.

Gunderson's defeat was their first in the league, dropping their league record down to 4-1 and their overall record down to 5-3. As for James Lick, their loss dropped their record down to 0-4.

Monday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. James Lick has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .434. However, it's not like Gunderson struggles in that department as they've averaged .653. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

James Lick suffered a grim 16-4 defeat to Gunderson in their previous matchup last Friday. Can James Lick avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.