Softball Game Preview: Beardstown Tigers vs. Cuba/Spoon River Valley Wildcats

A feisty cat fight will be fought as Beardstown Tigers take on Cuba/Spoon River Valley Wildcats at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Beardstown's pitching crew has only allowed three runs per game this season, so Cuba/Spoon River Valley's hitters will have their work cut out for them.

Beardstown took a 11-run defeat the last time they faced off against Seymour, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. Beardstown narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Seymour 7-5.

Shelby Goodrich was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. Goodrich was also big at the plate, going 1-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024.

In other batting news, Kylynn Maltby was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and one double. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March of 2024. Bella Palmer was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two RBI.

Beardstown lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.

Meanwhile, after some red-hot attacks at the plate in their last three matchups, Cuba/Spoon River Valley finally came back down to earth on Thursday. They lost 10-0 to Havana. The loss was the Wildcats' first of the season.

Beardstown's win bumped their record up to 3-1. As for Cuba/Spoon River Valley, their loss was their first of the season and also makes their record 3-1.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Beardstown has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Cuba/Spoon River Valley struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.