Pana hasn't had much luck against Gillespie recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Panthers will host the Miners at 4:30 p.m. Pana is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.4 runs per game this season.
Pana is headed into Tuesday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Wednesday. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 7-6 heartbreaker at the hands of Tri-City.
Joey Laker put in work while hitting and pitching. She tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Furthermore, she didn't allow a single earned run, the first time she has blanked an opponent since back in March of 2024. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two runs and one triple. That triple marked the first that she hit this season.
In other batting news, Izzy Reed made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-4 with one triple and one run.
Meanwhile, Gillespie got the win against Collinsville on Monday by a conclusive 15-2. The Miners might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven contests by seven runs or more this season.
Like Pana, Gillespie also got a great game from a two-way player: Paxton Reid. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out seven over five innings pitched. Reid has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, Laci Schuckenbrock was a standout: she scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-2. Ava Parish was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3.
Gillespie hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Collinsville struck out seven times.
Gillespie pushed their record up to 8-5 with the victory, which was their fifth straight at home. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.0 runs over those games. As for Pana, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-7.
Fans could be in store for some top-tier slugging on Tuesday. Pana hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.5 home runs per game. However, it's not like Gillespie struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 0.6 home runs. With so much power on both teams, it'll be down to the pitchers to keep the mound locked down.
Pana suffered a grim 7-1 defeat to Gillespie in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Will the Panthers 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.
