Cowan is 0-10 against Wapahani since April of 2015 but things could change on Thursday. The Blackhawks are taking a road trip to face off against the Raiders at 5:00 p.m. Cowan is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season.
Cowan came out on top against Blue River Valley on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive seven-run fourth inning. The Blackhawks put the hurt on the Vikings with a sharp 11-2 win. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Blackhawks.
Gentry Groves made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching four innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all five of his plate appearances with one run, one double, and one RBI. What's more, he posted three hits, the most he's had since back in April of 2024.
Jaydon Auker
| 04/29/25 @ Blue River Valley | 3 |
| 04/28/25 vs Seton Catholic | 3 |
| 04/11/25 @ Tri | 3 |
| 04/08/25 @ Union City | 3 |
| 04/22/25 @ Monroe Central | 2 |
| + 3 more games |
In other batting news, Cowan got a big performance out of Jaydon Auker, who went 2-for-5 with three runs and two doubles. The Blackhawks are 6-1 when Auker posts two or more runs, but 1-3 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Chase Matson, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Cowan kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Blue River Valley only managed four hits.
Meanwhile, Wapahani entered their tilt with Monroe Central on Tuesday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They skirted past the Golden Bears 6-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Raiders have posted since May 23, 2024.
The team relied heavily on Eli Andrews, who went 2-for-3 with two runs and one triple. Another player making a difference was Grayson Acosta, who went 1-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
Wapahani's win was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 8-4. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.5 runs over those games. As for Cowan, their record is now 7-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Cowan has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Wapahani struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Cowan suffered a grim 8-1 defeat to Wapahani when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Blackhawks avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
