Softball Game Preview: Larkin Royals vs. Batavia Bulldogs

Larkin is 0-4 against Batavia since April of 2015 but things could change on Friday. The Royals will host the Bulldogs at 4:30 p.m. Larkin is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.3 runs per game this season.

Larkin will bounce into Friday's game after beating West Aurora, who they had gone 1-7 against in their eight prior meetings. The Royals had just enough and edged out the Blackhawks 4-2.

Mackenzie Wemken

Batters Struck Out

05/22/25 @ West Aurora	9
05/21/25 vs Glenbard East	10
05/19/25 @ Elgin	5

Mackenzie Wemken spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on seven hits and racked up nine Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Yesenia Escobar was excellent, going 3-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024.

Meanwhile, Batavia fell victim to Glenbard North and their airtight pitching crew on Thursday. They lost 8-0 to the Panthers. The Bulldogs haven't had much luck with the Panthers recently, as the team has come up short the last nine times they've met.

Larkin pushed their record up to 14-16 with the win, which was their fourth straight on the road. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.0 runs over those games. As for Batavia, their loss dropped their record down to 8-22.

Larkin might still be hurting after the 25-3 defeat they got from Batavia in their previous meeting back in April of 2018. Will the Royals have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.