Softball Game Preview: Baldwyn Bearcats vs. Pine Grove Panthers

A feisty cat fight will be fought as Baldwyn Bearcats face off against Pine Grove Panthers at 10:15 a.m. on Friday. Baldwyn has given up an average of 12.8 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.

Baldwyn is probably headed into the game with a chip on their shoulder considering Wheeler just ended the team's four-game winning streak on Thursday. They came up short against the Eagles, falling 21-6.

Jana Claire Collins

Runs Batted In (Career)

03/06/25 vs Wheeler	3
03/01/25 vs New Site	2
04/16/24 @ Biggersville	2
04/01/24 @ Thrasher	2
03/21/24 @ Tremont	2

Jana Claire Collins was cooking despite her team's loss, going 1-for-2 with one home run and three RBI. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high.

Meanwhile, Pine Grove was able to grind out a solid victory over Thrasher on Thursday, taking the game 8-4. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Panthers.

Memory Mauney spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and two unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up six Ks. She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Anaston Christian, who scored a run while going 1-for-3. Reagan Childs was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two RBI.

Pine Grove's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 4-5. A key ingredient in that success has been their performance when it comes to strikeouts: they averaged an imposing 7.33 strikeouts in those games compared to only two in the others. As for Baldwyn, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-2.

Pine Grove's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Baldwyn hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .440. It's a different story for Pine Grove, though, as they've only averaged .223. Will they be able to contain Baldwyn's hitters?

Baldwyn suffered a grim 7-0 defeat to Pine Grove when the teams last played back in April of 2023. Can Baldwyn avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.