Softball Game Preview: New Franklin Bulldogs vs. Westran Hornets

Bulldogs

Runs

10/07/25 @ Jamestown	3
10/06/25 @ Boonville	3
10/02/25 @ Pilot Grove	15
09/25/25 vs Sturgeon	5
09/22/25 vs Community	7
+ 7 more games

New Franklin and Westran are an even 3-3 against one another since September of 2015, but likely not for long. The Bulldogs will take on the Hornets at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. New Franklin is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.8 runs per game this season.

New Franklin is headed into the game having just suffered their biggest defeat since September 27, 2024 on Tuesday. They lost 18-3 to Jamestown. The Bulldogs have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Lily Chitwood made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. Chitwood is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: she's snagged at least one every time she's taken the field this season. Skylar Shaw also deserves some recognition as she got her first hit of the season.

Meanwhile, Westran came up short against Schuyler County on Tuesday and fell 9-6.

Kate Hollmann was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and two RBI. Hadley Harvey was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one RBI.

Westran's loss dropped their record down to 6-8. As for New Franklin, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-5.

Thursday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. New Franklin hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .322. However, it's not like Westran struggles in that department as they've averaged .344. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

New Franklin came out on top in a nail-biter against Westran in their previous matchup back in October of 2024, sneaking past 4-3. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Bulldogs since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.