Softball Game Preview: Central Rockets vs. Huntley Red Raiders

Central is 0-9 against Huntley since May of 2015 but things could change on Thursday. The Rockets will look to defend their home field against the Red Raiders at 4:30 p.m. The two teams each escaped (but just barely!) with wins against their previous opponents.

Central took a six-run defeat the last time they faced off against Hampshire, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Rockets narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past the Whip-Purs 7-6. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Rockets have posted since April 24, 2024.

Isabella Reed

Batters Struck Out

04/23/25 @ Hampshire	12
04/17/25 vs Jacobs	12
04/14/25 @ Crystal Lake Central	11
04/10/25 @ Crystal Lake South	14

Isabella Reed spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered six earned runs on eight hits and racked up 12 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than 11 strikeouts in four consecutive appearances.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Addison Beltran, who went 1-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Allie Botkin, who went 2-for-5 with one run, one double, and one RBI.

Meanwhile, Huntley had just enough and edged out Dundee-Crown 4-2 on Wednesday. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Red Raiders.

Huntley also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Gretchen Huber gave up just two earned runs on five hits and racked up eight Ks.

On the hitting side, Alyssa Bonner was incredible, going 1-for-2 with one home run and three RBI. Lyla Ginczycki was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one home run.

Huntley hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They are 5-1 when they post two or more strikeouts.

Huntley's victory bumped their record up to 10-8. As for Central, the win got them back to even at 8-8.