The Hoopeston Cornjerkers will head out on the road to challenge the Donovan Wildcats at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Hoopeston is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.7 runs per game this season.
Hoopeston took a ten-run loss the last time they faced off against Milford, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Cornjerkers won by a run and slipped past the Bearcats 8-7. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last four times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Maddie Barnes made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up four earned (and three unearned) runs off ten hits (and only one walk). Barnes was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with one run and one double.
Peyton Irons
| 04/22/25 vs Milford | 3 |
| 03/25/25 vs Paxton-Buckley-Loda | 2 |
| 04/11/25 vs Georgetown-Ridge Farm | 1 |
| 03/28/25 vs Rantoul | 1 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Peyton Irons, who went 3-for-4 with one home run and three RBI. Those three hits gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Khloe Brewer, who went 2-for-3 with two runs.
Hoopeston kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Donovan made easy work of Momence on Tuesday and carried off a 12-2 victory. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Wildcats.
Laylah Lou Walters spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on six hits and racked up seven Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Madelyn Loy was incredible, going 2-for-3 with two runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. That stolen base marked the first that she has snagged this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Evelynn Lopez, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
Donovan's record is now 4-8. As for Hoopeston, the win snapped their losing streak at three games and leaves them with a 5-7 record.
Donovan's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Hoopeston hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .322. It's a different story for Donovan, though, as they've only averaged .249. Will they be able to contain Hoopeston's hitters?
Hoopeston took their victory against Donovan when the teams last played back in March of 2024 by a conclusive 16-6 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Cornjerkers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
