Softball Game Preview: Mercer County Golden Eagles vs. West Prairie Cyclones

Golden Eagles

Runs

04/28/25 @ Monmouth-Roseville	10
04/24/25 vs Sherrard	6
04/23/25 vs Princeville	14
04/21/25 @ Sherrard	4
04/19/25 @ Hall	3
+ 14 more games

The Mercer County Golden Eagles will challenge the West Prairie Cyclones at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Mercer County is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.4 runs per game this season.

Mercer County's pitching crew heads into the matchup hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Monday. They were the clear victors by a 10-0 margin over Monmouth-Roseville. The result was nothing new for the Golden Eagles, who have now won eight games by six runs or more so far this season.

Elsie Cook was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out nine over six innings pitched. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 11 consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with one RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March.

In other batting news, Payton Ruggles was incredible, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. Maddy Campbell-Baker was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one run.

Mercer County was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .516. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .303 or higher in three consecutive contests.

Meanwhile, West Prairie was not able to break out of their rough patch last Monday as the team picked up their fourth straight loss. They lost 28-1 to Biggsville West Central.

West Prairie's defeat dropped their record down to 2-10. As for Mercer County, their win bumped their record up to 15-4.

Tuesday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Mercer County hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .353. However, it's not like West Prairie struggles in that department as they've averaged .337. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Mercer County took their victory against West Prairie when the teams last played back in March of 2023 by a conclusive 18-3 score. Do the Golden Eagles have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Cyclones turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.