The Onaga Buffaloes are taking a road trip to take on the Oskaloosa Bears at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. One thing working in Onaga's favor is that they have posted at least ten runs in their last three contests.
Onaga gave up the first runs on Monday, but they didn't let that get them down. Everything went their way against Wabaunsee as they made off with a 12-5 win. The result was nothing new for the Buffaloes, who have now won 16 matchups by seven runs or more so far this season.
Willow Hochstedler was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off five hits. Hochstedler was also big at the plate, going 1-for-4 with two runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, Makenzie Dorsey was a standout: she got on base in all five of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Addison DeChant, who went 2-for-5 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
Onaga kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 12 hits in three consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Oskaloosa fought the good fight in their extra-innings contest against Wellsville on Monday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Eagles by a score of 9-8. The Bears' defeat signaled the end of their ten-game winning streak.
Brynn King made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-5 with two runs and one stolen base. The team also got some help courtesy of Lydia Turner, who went 1-for-4 with two runs and one double.
Onaga has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won 12 of their last 14 matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 18-5 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.6 runs on average over those games. As for Oskaloosa, their loss dropped their record down to 16-5.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Onaga has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .485. However, it's not like Oskaloosa struggles in that department as they've averaged .458. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Onaga suffered a grim 15-5 defeat to Oskaloosa in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Buffaloes avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
