Softball Game Preview: DeSoto County Bulldogs vs. Lemon Bay Manta Rays

Bulldogs

Runs

04/15/25 @ Avon Park	3
04/14/25 vs Bayshore	25
04/10/25 @ Hardee	4
04/08/25 @ Ida Baker	14
04/07/25 vs Gateway	15
+ 13 more games

DeSoto County is 0-10 against Lemon Bay since April of 2022 but things could change on Monday. The Bulldogs will be playing at home against the Manta Rays at 7:30 p.m. DeSoto County is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.4 runs per game this season.

Avon Park hit DeSoto County with a nine-run second inning on Tuesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Bulldogs came up short against the Red Devils, falling 13-3. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Bulldogs have suffered since March 25th.

DeSoto County saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Emery Skinner, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one run. Skinner is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last four games she's played.

Meanwhile, after some red-hot attacks at the plate in their last three games, Lemon Bay finally came back down to earth on Thursday. They took a 4-1 hit to the loss column at the hands of Riverview Sarasota. The loss continues a trend for the Manta Rays in their meetings with the Rams: they've now lost four in a row.

Reagan Altieri spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and three unearned) runs on seven hits.

Lemon Bay's defeat dropped their record down to 9-8. As for DeSoto County, their loss dropped their record down to 12-6.

DeSoto County's speedy runners might be the difference in Monday's match. The Bulldogs have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.7 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Lemon Bay, though, as they've been averaging only 1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will DeSoto County continue to outrun the ball?

DeSoto County suffered a grim 14-4 defeat to Lemon Bay in their previous matchup back in March. Will the Bulldogs have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.