Softball Game Preview: Wilmington Wildcats vs. Herscher Tigers

For the second straight game, Wilmington will face off against Herscher. The Wildcats will be playing in front of their home fans against the Tigers at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Wilmington is on a six-game streak of home wins, Herscher a four-game streak of away wins, meaning someone's leaving a streak behind.

It was a proper cat-fight when Wilmington duked it out with Herscher on Monday. The Wildcats came out on top against the Tigers by a score of 6-2. The Wildcats have beaten the Tigers the last three times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Tigers has come to flipping the script.

Taryn Gilbert

Batters Struck Out

04/14/25 @ Herscher	4
04/10/25 vs Manteno	1
04/08/25 @ Manteno	3
04/01/25 @ Reed-Custer	2
03/31/25 vs Reed-Custer	1
+ 3 more games

Taryn Gilbert made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off seven hits. What's more, she posted four strikeouts, the most she's had since back in March. She was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.

Gilbert wasn't the only one making solid contact as six players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Madisyn Rossow, who went 2-for-4 with one double and one RBI. That's the most hits Rossow has posted since back in March. Another was Keeley Walsh, who scored a run while going 3-for-4.

Wilmington was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .375. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .348 or higher in three consecutive games.

Herscher moved to 9-3 with that defeat, which also ended their four-game winning streak. As for Wilmington, their victory bumped their record up to 11-2.

Tuesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Wilmington has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .555. However, it's not like Herscher struggles in that department as they've averaged .511. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.