Baseball Game Preview: Urbana Tigers vs. Schlarman Hilltoppers

Urbana is on a three-game streak of home losses, and Schlarman a seven-game streak of away losses dating back to last season. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Wednesday. The Urbana Tigers will be playing at home against the Schlarman Hilltoppers at 4:30 p.m. Urbana has given up an average of 12.6 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Urbana fell victim to Normal West and their airtight pitching crew on Monday. They lost 18-0 to the Wildcats. That's two games in a row now that the Tigers have lost by exactly 18 runs.

Schlarman not only won on Monday, but they posted their biggest win since April 25, 2024. They were the clear victors by an 11-1 margin over Cissna Park. The victory continues a trend for the Hilltoppers in their matchups with the Timberwolves: they've now won three in a row.

Miles Crosby was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one earned run any time he's pitched this season. He was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.

In other batting news, Marc Villaester was incredible, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 3-for-3. Grayson Kruger was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-2.

Schlarman kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. That's the most hits they've posted since back in April of 2024.

Schlarman's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-2. As for Urbana, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-6.