Softball Game Preview: Newberry Panthers vs. Bradford Tornadoes

Panthers

Runs

04/22/25 vs Dixie County	9
04/21/25 @ Bell	7
04/18/25 @ Gainesville	1
04/17/25 vs Eastside	16
04/15/25 @ Williston	4
+ 17 more games

The Newberry Panthers will face off against the Bradford Tornadoes at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Newberry is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.7 runs per game this season.

On Tuesday, Newberry earned a 9-5 victory over Dixie County. The win continues a trend for the Panthers in their matchups with the Bears: they've now won four in a row.

Gracie Mattson spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered five runs (all of which were unearned) on six hits and racked up eight Ks. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in five consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Malana Kennard was excellent, going 2-for-4 with two runs and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Sarah Priester, who went 1-for-3 with two RBI.

Meanwhile, Bradford fell victim to Keystone Heights and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They lost 6-0 to the Indians. The Tornadoes' defeat signaled the end of their three-game winning streak.

Newberry's victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 17-5. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.3 runs on average over those games. As for Bradford, their loss dropped their record down to 10-9.

Wednesday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Newberry hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .333. However, it's not like Bradford struggles in that department as they've averaged .318. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Everything went Newberry's way against Bradford in their previous matchup back in March, as Newberry made off with an 8-1 victory. Do the Panthers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Tornadoes turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.