Softball Game Preview: Caldera vs. Redmond Panthers

Caldera are taking a road trip to challenge the Redmond Panthers at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Caldera is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.5 runs per game this season.

Caldera was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last matchup, but they sure didn't let that happen against Mountain View on Wednesday. Caldera put the hurt on Mountain View with a sharp 9-2 win. Caldera hasn't had any issues with Mountain View recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive victory against them.

Nina Santos Wagner looked comfortable as she pitched four innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits.

On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Elliotte Preston, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. She 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. Elie Hall was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double.

Caldera hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They are 5-2 when they post two or more strikeouts.

Meanwhile, Redmond had to endure a four-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They were the clear victors by a 12-6 margin over Summit on Wednesday. The Panthers not only won on Wednesday, but they posted their biggest win since April 7th (when they won 13-5).

Redmond's win was their first in the league, bumping their league record up to 1-6-1 and their overall record up to 4-10-1. As for Caldera, their record is now 7-10.

Everything went Caldera's way against Redmond when the teams last played last Tuesday, as Caldera made off with a 15-5 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for Caldera since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.