Baseball Game Preview: Momence Momence Athletics vs. Grant Park Dragons

For the second straight game, Momence will face off against Grant Park. The Momence Athletics will head out to face off against the Dragons at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Momence is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.6 runs per game this season.

While Momence's win against Grant Park wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Momence Athletics skirted past the Dragons 5-3. The victory continues a trend for the Momence Athletics in their matchups with the Dragons: they've now won five in a row.

Braeden Merrill

Hits Against

04/17/25 vs Grant Park	1
04/08/25 vs Gardner-South Wilmington	1
04/01/25 @ Iroquois West	2
03/27/25 vs Clifton Central	2
03/22/25 @ Dwight	2

Braeden Merrill made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out eight over six innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two hits in five consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.

Merrill wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Sam Fitzgerald, who went 1-for-2 with one run and one RBI.

Grant Park has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-5 record this season. As for Momence, their record now sits at 3-5.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Momence has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Grant Park struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.