The Boardman Spartans will face off against the West Branch Warriors at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Boardman knows how to get runs on the board -- the squad has finished with ten runs or more in their past three contests -- so hopefully West Branch likes a good challenge.
On Thursday, Boardman made easy work of Twinsburg and carried off a 12-2 victory. Considering the Spartans have won eight matchups by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Gabi Sferra made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out nine batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. Sferra was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, two doubles, and one run. That's the most hits she has posted since back in May of 2025.
In other batting news, Addie Kowacich was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Kate Thames was another key player, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double.
Meanwhile, West Branch posted their closest win since April 24, 2025 on Thursday. They had just enough and edged out Salem 3-2.
Ellie Tucker spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered two runs (both of which were unearned) on four hits and racked up seven Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Carly Loper, who went 3-for-4 with one stolen base and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Layla Carreon, who went 3-for-4 with one stolen base.
West Branch kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They are 6-3 when they post 11 or more hits.
Boardman's victory bumped their record up to 13-7. As for West Branch, their win bumped their record up to 8-10.
Everything went Boardman's way against West Branch in their previous matchup back in March, as Boardman made off with a 15-5 victory. Will the Spartans repeat their success, or do the Warriors have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
