Sutherlin Bulldogs Softball 6-8 Grant Union / Prairie City

A back-and-forth offensive showcase saw Sutherlin's softball team come up just short in an 8-6 non-league loss at Grant Union/Prairie City on Thursday afternoon.

The Bulldogs showed plenty of fight in the high-scoring affair, matching their hosts run for run through much of the contest before Grant Union pulled away late. Sutherlin managed six runs against solid pitching, demonstrating improved offensive production from their early-season struggles.

The loss drops Sutherlin to 1-2 on the young season, but the competitive nature of Thursday's game suggests the Bulldogs are finding their rhythm at the plate. Playing quality non-league opponents like Grant Union provides valuable experience as the team prepares for the heart of their league schedule.

While the result wasn't what Sutherlin hoped for on the road, the offensive output offers encouragement heading into the meat of the spring campaign. The Bulldogs will look to even their record when they return to action, taking the lessons learned from a hard-fought contest in eastern Oregon back home to Douglas County.