Armstrong is 0-4 against Paxton-Buckley-Loda since March of 2016 but things could change on Tuesday. The Trojans will welcome the Panthers at 4:30 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Armstrong took a loss when they played away from home on Friday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Monday. They were the clear victors by an 11-5 margin over Georgetown-Ridge Farm/Chrisman. The Trojans haven't had any issues with the Buffaloes recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive win against them.
Ryan Edwards
| 04/28/25 vs Georgetown-Ridge Farm/Chrisman | 7 |
| 04/11/25 vs Schlarman | 9 |
| 03/27/25 @ Villa Grove | 6 |
| 03/22/25 vs Oblong/Hutsonville/Palestine | 10 |
Ryan Edwards made a splash no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over six innings while giving up four earned (and one unearned) runs off six hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and one run.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Davyn Franzen, who went 2-for-3 with four runs, two stolen bases, and two RBI. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in March of 2024. Becket Moran was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Meanwhile, Paxton-Buckley-Loda got the win against Prairie Central on Monday by a conclusive 13-3.
Like Armstrong, Paxton-Buckley-Loda also got a great game from a two-way player: Tyler Cole. He struck out nine batters over six innings while giving up three earned runs off four hits. Cole was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with four runs and one stolen base. He has become a key player for Paxton-Buckley-Loda: the team is 7-2 when he posts at least two runs, but 4-5 otherwise.
In other batting news, Bryar Cosgrove was incredible, going 4-for-5 with three runs and four RBI. Another player making a difference was Dylan Vance, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Paxton-Buckley-Loda always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .513. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Prairie Central only posted an OBP of .308.
Paxton-Buckley-Loda's victory bumped their record up to 11-7. As for Armstrong, their win bumped their record up to 10-4.
Tuesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Armstrong has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .453. However, it's not like Paxton-Buckley-Loda struggles in that department as they've averaged .432. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Armstrong couldn't quite finish off Paxton-Buckley-Loda when the teams last played back in April of 2023 and fell 7-5. Can the Trojans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
