Softball Game Preview: Streator Bulldogs vs. Manteno Panthers

Streator hasn't had much luck against Manteno recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Bulldogs will look to defend their home field against the Panthers at 4:30 p.m. Streator has given up an average of 7.7 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Streator fell victim to Seneca and their airtight pitching crew on Friday. They lost 14-0 to the Fighting Irish. The Bulldogs just can't catch a break and have now endured three defeats in a row.

Meanwhile, Manteno put their dominant pitchers on display in the team's third consecutive shutout on Wednesday. Their pitchers stepped up to hand Clifton Central a 10-0 shutout. The Panthers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won ten matches by six runs or more this season.

Manteno has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six games. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-3 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.3 runs on average over those games. As for Streator, their loss dropped their record down to 4-14.

Streator might still be hurting after the 15-2 defeat they got from Manteno when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Bulldogs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.