For the second straight game, Thornton will face off against Crete-Monee. The Wildcats will be playing at home against the Warriors at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Thornton has given up an average of 8.9 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Thornton is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 16 runs on Thursday, they were much more limited against Crete-Monee on Monday. They lost 11-1 to the Warriors.
For Crete-Monee's part, Tyler Burnett was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. Burnett has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in five consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double. He is becoming a predictor of Crete-Monee's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 6-7 when he doesn't).
In other pitching news, Garrett Jemilo looked comfortable as he tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Timothy Gaddis, who went 2-for-4 with three stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April of 2024. Christopher Schubbe was another key player, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
Crete-Monee was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .375. They are 3-1 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
The victory got Crete-Monee back to even at 8-8. As for Thornton, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-5-1.
Wednesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Thornton has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .463. However, it's not like Crete-Monee struggles in that department as they've averaged .435. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
