Softball Game Preview: Wilmington Wildcats vs. Joliet Central Steelmen

The Wilmington Wildcats will be defending their home field for the first time this season when they go up against the Joliet Central Steelmen at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Joliet Central took a loss in their last contest and will be looking to turn the tables on Wilmington, who comes in off a win.

Wilmington is coming home in high spirits after they had to open their season on the road against Grant Park. Wilmington was the clear victors by a 19-1 margin over Grant Park on Monday. The victory continues a trend for the Wildcats in their matchups with the Dragons: they've now won four in a row.

Taryn Gilbert made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Gilbert was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 1-for-3.

In other pitching news, Lexi Strohm looked comfortable as she tossed two innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit.

Back at the plate, Molly Southall was a standout: she went a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs, four RBI, and one triple. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Tayloe Stefancic, who went 3-for-4 with four runs, four RBI, and one double.

Wilmington always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .706. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Grant Park only posted an OBP of .421.

Meanwhile, Joliet Central unfortunately couldn't capitalize on their home-field advantage in their season opener. They lost 20-0 to Tinley Park on Monday. Sadly, the loss continues a streak the team started last season, making it 24 in a row.

Everything went Wilmington's way against Joliet Central when the teams last played back in March of 2024, as Wilmington made off with a 15-2 win. Will Wilmington repeat their success, or does Joliet Central have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.