Softball Game Preview: Shelby Whippets vs. Margaretta Polar Bears

The Shelby Whippets are taking a road trip to take on the Margaretta Polar Bears at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Shelby is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.1 runs per game this season.

Shelby came out on top against River Valley on Wednesday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run fifth inning. The Whippets walked away with a 7-3 victory over the Vikings.

Alyssa Booker

Base on Balls Against

04/23/25 @ River Valley	1
04/22/25 vs River Valley	2
04/21/25 @ Clyde	2
04/17/25 @ Highland	0
04/16/25 vs Highland	2
+ 4 more games

Alyssa Booker spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on seven hits. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Braylee Sturts, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Reece Friend, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.

Meanwhile, Margaretta was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their fifth straight defeat. They came up short against Huron, falling 16-3. Surprisingly, this marked the Polar Bears' fourth straight game in which the away team has come away the victor.

Elianna Young made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and got on base in all three of her plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs. The team also got some help courtesy of Brooke Hastings, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.

Margaretta's loss dropped their record down to 3-9. As for Shelby, their win bumped their record up to 12-7.

Margaretta's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Shelby has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 9.5 hits per game. It's a different story for Margaretta, though, as they've been averaging 9.3 hits. Given Shelby's sizable advantage in that area, the Polar Bears will need to find a way to close that gap. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.