Softball Game Preview: Sheldon Irish vs. Crater Comets

The Sheldon Irish will head out to take on the Crater Comets at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.

Sheldon is leaving town to face Crater after disappointing their home crowd in their season opener. The Irish came up short against West Salem on Tuesday, falling 17-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Irish have suffered since May 3, 2025.

Sheldon saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Natalia Shoemaker, who went 3-for-4 with three stolen bases and two runs. Presley Debaldo was another, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one run, one double, and one RBI.

Meanwhile, Crater came up short against North Medford on Tuesday and fell 7-4. The Comets haven't had much luck with the Black Tornado recently, as the team has come up short the last five times they've met.

Khloe Cochran made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and went a perfect 3-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Bristol Brackett, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one run and one double.

Sheldon couldn't quite get it done against Crater in their previous matchup back in April of 2025 as they fell 7-4. Can the Irish avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.