Baseball Recap: Frankfort Comes Up Short

Frankfort extended their losing streak to three on Friday, dropping their season record down to 2-11 in the process. They lost 11-1 to the Pinckneyville Panthers. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Redbirds of the 17-1 loss they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in April of 2024.

As for Pinckneyville, they now have a winning record of 9-8. Considering they have won six matches by more than five runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

For Pinckneyville's part, Kolton Smith spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on two hits and racked up seven Ks. Smith has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two hits in eight consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Ayden Buza was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in March of 2024. Brayden Cleland was another key player, going 1-for-3 with three RBI, one run, and one double.

Coincidentally, Frankfort and Pinckneyville will both be playing DuQuoin the next time they take the field. The Panthers will head out to face the Indians at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, while the Redbirds will host them at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.