The Southwestern Piasa Birds will square off against the Alton Redbirds at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Southwestern is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9 runs per game this season.
Southwestern gave up the first runs on Friday, but they didn't let that get them down. They were the clear victors by a 20-4 margin over Hillsboro. That looming 20-4 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Piasa Birds yet this season.
Vivian Zurheide
| 04/11/25 @ Hillsboro | 5 |
| 04/08/25 vs North Greene | 3 |
| 03/18/25 @ Greenfield/Northwestern | 3 |
| 04/30/24 @ Pana | 3 |
| 03/23/24 vs Granite City | 3 |
Southwestern got a massive performance out of Vivian Zurheide, who went 2-for-4 with five RBI and two runs. Those five RBI gave Zurheide a new career-high. Madison Fenstermaker was another key player, scoring three runs while going 3-for-5.
Southwestern was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .412. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Alton was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their seventh straight loss. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost an 8-7 heartbreaker at the hands of Collinsville. That's two games in a row now that the Redbirds have lost by just one run.
Makenzie Rayfield spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and three unearned) runs on eight hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Lilly Henkhaus made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. She also brought in two RBI, marking her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Laci Fischer, who went 1-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
Southwestern's win ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 3-3-1. As for Alton, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-7.
Alton's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Southwestern hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .317. It's a different story for Alton, though, as they've only averaged .182. Will they be able to contain Southwestern's hitters?
Southwestern came out on top in a nail-biter against Alton when the teams last played back in April of 2024, sneaking past 3-2. Will the Piasa Birds repeat their success, or do the Redbirds have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
