Softball Game Preview: Palm Desert Aztecs vs. Shadow Hills Knights

The Palm Desert Aztecs will head out on the road to face off against the Shadow Hills Knights at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Palm Desert has given up an average of 11.2 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.

Tuesday just wasn't the day for Palm Desert's offense. They lost 13-0 to Shadow Hills on Tuesday. Having soared to a lofty 11 runs in the game before, the Aztecs' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.

For Shadow Hills' part, Ava Valenzuela looked comfortable as she struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Valenzuela has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two hits any time she's pitched this season.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Gianna Hernandez, who scored two runs while going 2-for-3. The team also got some help courtesy of Ximena Arizaga, who scored a run while going 1-for-3.

Shadow Hills was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .379. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .379 or higher in three consecutive contests.

Shadow Hills' victory was their 12th straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 8-1. They've dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 13.2 runs. As for Palm Desert, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-7 record this season.