Yankton hasn't had much luck against Jefferson recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Bucks/Gazelles will look to defend their home field against the Cavaliers at 6:00 p.m. Yankton is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.5 runs per game this season.
On Thursday, Yankton earned a 9-6 win over Pierre T.F. Riggs. The Bucks/Gazelles haven't had any issues with the Governors recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
The team relied heavily on Kyra Tjeerdsma, who went 3-for-4 with four RBI, two doubles, and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Madison Musfelt, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Tjeerdsma wasn't the only one making solid contact: Yankton kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That's the most hits they've posted since back in April of 2024.
Meanwhile, Jefferson fought the good fight in their extra-innings game against O'Gorman on Thursday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They took a 4-1 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Knights. The contest marked the Cavaliers' lowest-scoring matchup so far this season.
Whitney Portner spent all eight innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on four hits and racked up 12 Ks. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Jefferson saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Macy Bryant, who went 1-for-3 with one triple and one run. That triple was Bryant's first of the season.
This is the second loss in a row for Jefferson and nudges their season record down to 3-2. As for Yankton, the win got them back to even at 2-2.
Monday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Yankton hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .366. However, it's not like Jefferson struggles in that department as they've averaged .312. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Yankton might still be hurting after the 11-0 defeat they got from Jefferson in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Will the Bucks/Gazelles have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
