Softball Game Preview: Banks Braves vs. Tillamook Cheesemakers

Banks is 9-1 against Tillamook since April of 2018 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Braves will venture away from home to face off against the Cheesemakers at 4:00 p.m. Banks is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.8 runs per game this season.

On Tuesday, Banks came up short against Astoria and fell 6-2. The defeat continues a trend for the Braves in their meetings with the Fishermen: they've now lost six in a row.

Banks saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Khloe Long, who scored a run while going 2-for-3.

Meanwhile, after only one run in their last matchup, Tillamook made sure to put some runs up on the board against Newport last Tuesday. The Cheesemakers had just enough and edged out the Cubs 16-15.

Callie Schwend was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. She also put up a double, which was her first of the season. Jaylin Krumweide was another key player, scoring three runs while going 1-for-3.

Tillamook hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least four strikeouts batters in three consecutive contests.

Banks now has a losing record of 2-3-1. As for Tillamook, their victory bumped their record up to 2-4.

Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Banks has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .464. However, it's not like Tillamook struggles in that department as they've averaged .437. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Banks took their win against Tillamook when the teams last played back in March of 2024 by a conclusive 15-5 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Braves since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.