It obviously a trick question.
At least on a Flame board. Its probably meant to illustrate flaws in logic giving the 'asker' some false sense of superiority.
More prudent persons have elected to answer with a question. I think Mary Ann was on the right track. If the shovel handle made of steal, plastic or fiberglass It should be able to deflect blows by the bat. The combatant with the shovel has the reach advantage but swinging the shovel draws a larger arc which the 'batman' can step inside and deliver a blow. So 'shovelman' needs to keep a wide gripe and is limited to shorter chopping strikes and thrusts but at the same time is now ready to deflect batmans blows and both ends of the shovel can be use to strike.
I'm leaning on the Shovel