Softball Game Preview: Melbourne Bearkatz vs. Salem Greyhounds

The Melbourne Bearkatz are taking a road trip to take on the Salem Greyhounds at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Melbourne 2.9, Salem 0.9) so any runs scored will be well earned.

Melbourne is probably headed into the match with a chip on their shoulder considering Riverside just ended the team's seven-game winning streak on Tuesday. They fell 6-1 to the Rebels.

Kallie Thornton

Batters Struck Out

04/15/25 @ Riverside	10
04/14/25 @ Cave City	13
04/11/25 @ Midland	10

Kallie Thornton spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and four unearned) runs on six hits and racked up ten Ks. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than ten strikeouts in three consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Maggie Pierson was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.

Meanwhile, Salem came tearing into Thursday's contest with eight straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 12.3 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They were the clear victors by a 14-4 margin over the Cavemen. The Greyhounds might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 12 games by six runs or more this season.

Natalie Welch was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Olivia Smith, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with three runs and one RBI.

Salem's victory was their 12th straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 13-1. The road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.3 runs over those games. As for Melbourne, their defeat dropped their record down to 11-5.

Melbourne couldn't quite get it done against Salem in their previous matchup back in March as they fell 6-1. Can the Bearkatz avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.