Softball Game Preview: Long Branch Green Wave vs. Red Bank Regional Bucs

Long Branch is 0-5 against Red Bank Regional since April of 2015 but things could change on Friday. The Green Wave will take on the Bucs at 3:45 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.

On Thursday, Long Branch got the win against Lakewood by a conclusive 24-14. The Green Wave haven't had any issues with the Piners recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive win against them.

Cindy Astacio-Gomez made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over six innings while giving up just two earned (and 12 unearned) runs off seven hits. Those nine strikeouts gave her a new career-high. She was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in five of her six plate appearances with two runs and two RBI.

In other batting news, Jaidyn Turner was incredible, getting on base in all six of her plate appearances with one home run, four runs, and three RBI. Those four runs gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Ayana Gonzalez, who got on base in five of her six plate appearances with three stolen bases, five runs, and one RBI.

Meanwhile, Red Bank Regional came into Wednesday's matchup having lost six straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. Their pitchers stepped up to hand Keyport an 18-0 shutout on Wednesday. The result was nothing new for the Bucs, who have now won seven contests by eight runs or more so far this season.

Red Bank Regional's record is now 8-10. As for Long Branch, they picked up their first home victory, bumping their record up to 2-11.

Long Branch suffered a grim 21-1 defeat to Red Bank Regional in their previous matchup back in April. Can the Green Wave avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.