Softball Game Preview: Salem Tigers vs. Thayer Bobcats

Salem hasn't had much luck against Thayer recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Tigers will venture away from home to challenge the Bobcats at 4:30 p.m. Salem will be strutting in after a win while Thayer will be coming in after a defeat.

It was a proper cat-fight when Salem took on Licking on Tuesday. The Tigers came out on top against the Wildcats by a score of 15-10. The high-scoring effort was just what the Tigers needed considering they were shut out in their previous contest.

Alaina Norris was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 12 batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and seven unearned) runs off ten hits (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one walk in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances.

Taylor Fulton

Stolen Base

04/15/25 @ Licking	2
04/11/25 vs East Carter	1
04/10/25 vs Cabool	3
04/08/25 vs Dixon	1

In other batting news, Taylor Fulton was a standout: she scored a run and stole two bases while getting on base in all five of her plate appearances. She has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last four times she's played. Another player making a difference was Bailey Mahurin, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4.

Meanwhile, Thayer faced Doniphan in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Wednesday. The Bobcats fell just short of the Dons by a score of 8-7. The Bobcats' loss continues a trend for the team, making it three in a row.

Salem now has a winning record of 7-6. As for Thayer, their defeat dropped their record down to 8-4.

Salem came up short against Thayer in their previous meeting back in March, falling 6-2. Can the Tigers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.