Softball Game Preview: Rising Tide vs. St. John Paul II Lions

Rising Tide is a perfect 10-0 against St. John Paul II since April of 2018 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. Rising Tide will be playing in front of their home fans against St. John Paul II at 4:00 p.m. Rising Tide is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 11.2 runs per game this season.

Rising Tide will roll into the contest after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up two runs on Monday, then bounced right back against Mashpee on Wednesday. Rising Tide put the hurt on Mashpee with a sharp 21-8 win. The victory continues a trend for Rising Tide in their matchups with Mashpee: they've now won three in a row.

Alanna Flanders

Batters Struck Out

05/07/25 @ Mashpee	16
05/05/25 vs Wareham	9
05/02/25 vs Martha's Vineyard Regional	11
04/30/25 @ Nantucket	17
04/16/25 @ St. John Paul II	20
04/14/25 vs Atlantis	10

Alanna Flanders made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 16 batters over seven innings while giving up four earned (and four unearned) runs off four hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than nine strikeouts in six consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in four of her six plate appearances with two stolen bases and two RBI.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Shelby Ruth, who got on base in all six of her plate appearances with six runs, three stolen bases, and two RBI. Emily Melby was another key player, going 3-for-5 with one home run, four runs, and one stolen base.

Rising Tide kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 19 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.

Meanwhile, St. John Paul II suffered their biggest defeat since May 20, 2024 on Monday. They lost 18-5 to Dennis-Yarmouth Regional.

Rising Tide pushed their record up to 7-4 with the win, which was their third straight on the road. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.3 runs over those games. As for St. John Paul II, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-4 record this season.

Rising Tide beat St. John Paul II 9-6 in their previous meeting back in April. Does Rising Tide have another victory up their sleeve, or will St. John Paul II turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.