For the second straight game, Garden City will face off against Great Bend. The Buffaloes will be playing at home against the Panthers at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Both teams are headed into the matchup with plenty of momentum (Garden City has won five straight at home dating back to last season, while Great Bend won five straight on the road), something that'll have to change.
Garden City had been on a five-game streak of scoring at least ten runs, but Great Bend put an end to it on Tuesday. The Buffaloes fell 5-0 to the Panthers. The contest marked the first time this season in which the Buffaloes were not able to get on the board.
For Great Bend's part, Chayla Prendergast was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out 11 over seven innings pitched. Those 11 strikeouts gave Prendergast a new career-high. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one home run and two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Katherine Mazouch, who went 2-for-3 with one home run and two runs. DeShawnna Bryant was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and one double.
Great Bend was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .433. They are a perfect 14-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Great Bend is on a roll lately: they've won 11 of their last 13 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 16-3 record this season. Having lost for the first time this season, Garden City fell to 5-1.
Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Garden City has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .500. However, it's not like Great Bend struggles in that department as they've averaged .476. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
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