The Garner Trojans will square off against the Clayton Comets at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Garner has given up an average of 13.8 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Garner is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. Everything went their way against Southeast Raleigh on Monday as they made off with a 22-11 victory. The high-scoring effort was just what the Trojans needed considering they were shut out in their previous contest.
Alyvia Banks was incredible, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base. That stolen base marked the first that she has snagged this season. Kaitlyn Dean was another key player, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with four runs, two stolen bases, and one RBI.
Garner always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .744. The last time their OBP was this high was back in March of 2025.
Meanwhile, Clayton came tearing into Friday's matchup with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 6.8 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 3-2 W against the Bengals.
Izzy Tart made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 12 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than nine strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one triple and two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Sariah Brown, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games she's played.
Garner's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-5. As for Clayton, their victory bumped their record up to 8-1.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Garner has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .446. However, it's not like Clayton struggles in that department as they've averaged .470. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
