Baseball Game Preview: Murphysboro Red Devils vs. Benton Rangers

The Murphysboro Red Devils will head out on the road to challenge the Benton Rangers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Murphysboro will be strutting in after a victory while Benton will be coming in after a loss.

Murphysboro came out on top against Anna-Jonesboro on Wednesday thanks in part to the team's impressive five-run fourth inning. The Red Devils were the clear victors by a 9-3 margin over the Wildcats. That six-run margin sets a new team best for the Red Devils this season.

Shakur Karg

Hits (Career)

04/29/26 @ Anna-Jonesboro	4
03/31/26 @ Wayne City	3
04/24/26 vs Harrisburg	2
04/06/26 vs Massac County	2
03/22/25 vs Monticello	2

Shakur Karg was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run over five innings pitched. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Murphysboro is 3-1 when he allows at most three earned runs, but 1-15 otherwise. Karg was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double. Those four hits gave him a new career-high.

Karg wasn't the only one making solid contact as eight players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Jackson Graff, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base and one run.

Murphysboro was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .444. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.

Meanwhile, Friday just wasn't the day for Benton's offense. They fell 5-0 to Frankfort on Friday. The Rangers' defeat continues a trend for the team, making it three in a row.

Murphysboro's win ended a five-game drought on the road and puts them at 4-16. As for Benton, their loss dropped their record down to 8-10.

Murphysboro couldn't quite finish off Benton when the teams last played back in May of 2025 and fell 10-8. Can the Red Devils avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.