Softball Game Preview: Jackson Polar Bears vs. Manchester Panthers

The Jackson Polar Bears will head out on the road to challenge the Manchester Panthers at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. Jackson is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8 runs per game this season.

Jackson couldn't beat Perry on Wednesday even though they stacked four runs on them in the third inning. Neither the Polar Bears nor the Panthers could gain the upper hand so the two teams had to settle for a 6-6 tie.

Meanwhile, Manchester narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past Tuslaw 6-4. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Panthers.

Rachel Baker spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned runs on nine hits and racked up nine Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 13 consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Alli Hodgkinson, who went 1-for-3 with three RBI, one run, and one double. Saige Rankin also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.

Manchester's victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 12-3. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.0 runs over those games. With that tie, Jackson's record moves to 10-3-1.

Saturday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Jackson hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .354. However, it's not like Manchester struggles in that department as they've averaged .340. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Jackson might still be hurting after the 25-8 loss they got from Manchester when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Polar Bears avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.