The Pecatonica Indians will square off against the South Beloit Sobos at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Pecatonica is coming into the game on a five-game losing streak.
Dakota hit Pecatonica with a 14-run third inning on Tuesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. Pecatonica lost 17-2 to Dakota.
Pecatonica saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Ellie Bolen, who went 1-for-2 with one triple, one run, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, South Beloit gave up the first runs last Saturday, but they didn't let that get them down. They were the clear victors by a 14-4 margin over Parkview. The Sobos might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight matches by ten runs or more this season.
Macey Lineman and Whitney Schnack made a splash no matter where they played. On the mound, Lineman pitched four innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits. Meanwhile, Schnack pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances. At bat, Lineman got on base in four of her five plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI, while Schnack got on base in three of her five plate appearances with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
In other batting news, Taniyah Crawford was a standout: she got on base in all five of her plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Jasmine Fago was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
South Beloit was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .435. They are a perfect 7-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
South Beloit has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won nine of their last ten contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-5 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.6 runs over those games. As for Pecatonica, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-13.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Pecatonica hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .326. However, it's not like South Beloit struggles in that department as they've averaged .357. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Pecatonica was able to grind out a solid victory over South Beloit in their previous meeting back in April of 2024, winning 7-4. Do the Indians have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Sobos turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
