Baseball Game Preview: Carlinville Cavaliers vs. Hillsboro Hiltoppers

Carlinville and Hillsboro are an even 5-5 against one another since May of 2016, but likely not for long. The Cavaliers will look to defend their home field on Friday against the Hiltoppers at 4:30 p.m. Hillsboro took a loss in their last game and will be looking to turn the tables on Carlinville, who comes in off a win.

For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Carlinville and Carrollton meet (four straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Thursday. The Cavaliers walked away with a 5-2 victory over the Hawks.

Noah Convery

Batters Struck Out

05/08/25 @ Carrollton	6
05/02/25 vs Vandalia	7
04/24/25 vs Southwestern	8
04/15/25 vs Litchfield	8
04/07/25 vs Nokomis	9
03/25/25 @ Lincolnwood	9

Noah Convery spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered just two earned runs on five hits and racked up six Ks. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in six consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Carlinville's win was truly a team effort as seven different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Aiden Wagner, who went 1-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI.

Meanwhile, Hillsboro was not able to break out of their rough patch on Monday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They lost 16-3 to Pana.

Hillsboro's loss dropped their record down to 2-16. As for Carlinville, their victory ended a five-game drought on the road and puts them at 5-13.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Carlinville has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.4 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Hillsboro struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Carlinville might still be hurting after the 10-0 defeat they got from Hillsboro in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Will the Cavaliers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.