Softball Game Preview: Pittston Patriots vs. Hazleton Area Cougars

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Previous Games

04/22/25 - Away	19-5 W
05/09/24 - Home	10-0 W
05/06/24 - Away	4-0 W
05/11/23 - Home	2-0 W
04/21/23 - Away	11-1 W
+ 5 more games

Pittston is 9-1 against Hazleton Area since May of 2019 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Monday. The Patriots will host the Cougars at 4:30 p.m. Pittston has given up an average of 8.1 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Pittston managed to slip by Valley View the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Patriots came up short against the Cougars on Saturday, falling 16-0. The contest marked the first time this season in which the Patriots were not able to get on the board.

Hazleton Area let Crestwood stack six runs on them in the third inning on Wednesday but luckily Hazleton Area prevailed anyway. The Cougars walked away with a 12-9 win over the Comets.

Saige Klesh was a standout: she got on base in three of her five plate appearances with two runs, two RBI, and one double. That's the most runs she has posted over her last 12 games. Kayla Lagowy was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.

Hazleton Area kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post 11 or more hits.

Hazleton Area's victory ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 7-10. As for Pittston, they dropped their record down to 8-8 with the loss, which was their third straight at home.

Hazleton Area's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Pittston has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 10.3 hits per game. It's a different story for Hazleton Area, though, as they've been averaging 13.4 hits. Given Pittston's sizable advantage in that area, the Cougars will need to find a way to close that gap.

Pittston took their win against Hazleton Area in their previous matchup back in April by a conclusive 19-5 score. Do the Patriots have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Cougars turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.