Softball Recap: Springfield Comes Up Short

Springfield extended their losing streak to four on Thursday, dropping them down to 9-20. They came up short against the Pleasant Plains Cardinals, falling 15-3. Springfield was given a dose of their own medicine in this game as Pleasant Plains apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in May of 2025.

Erin Stoops was cooking despite her team's loss, going 1-for-2 with one home run and two runs. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season.

As for Pleasant Plains, their win ended a four-game drought on the road and puts them at 17-13. They not only won on Thursday, but they posted their biggest win since April 14th (when they won 12-0).

On Pleasant Plains' side, Anna Nestler made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off two hits. Nestler was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one stolen base and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2025.

In other batting news, Pleasant Plains let Lexie Shimkus and Aspen Kitowski run wild. Shimkus went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, four runs, and four RBI, while Kitowski went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, four runs, and two RBI. Those four runs gave Kitowski a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Nola Hayden, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one triple, and one run.

Looking ahead, Springfield will host Decatur Eisenhower at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The Panthers have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 17.86 runs per game on average), something Springfield will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for Pleasant Plains, they are taking a road trip to face off against Beardstown at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The Cardinals' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Tigers have averaged an impressive 9.6 runs per game this season.