Baseball Recap: Normal Community Continues Home Dominance on Friday

Ironmen

Margin (Wins)

04/07/25 vs Danville	24
04/07/25 vs Danville	24
04/14/25 vs Centennial	14
03/31/25 vs Peoria Notre Dame	12
04/25/25 vs Normal West	10

Normal Community never got on the board in their matchup on Wednesday, but that sure wasn't the case in their game against Normal West on Friday. They were the clear victors by a 12-2 margin over the Wildcats. The result was nothing new for the Ironmen, who have now won seven matches by six runs or more so far this season.

Gavin Swartz made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than nine strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high.

In other pitching news, Jonah Roper looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one hit any time he's pitched this season.

Back at the plate, Kyle Beaty was incredible, going 2-for-5 with one home run and five RBI. Those five RBI gave him a new career-high. Carter Harris was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.

Normal Community always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .541. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Normal West only posted an OBP of .292.

Normal Community's victory was their eighth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 13-4. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.0 runs over those games. As for Normal West, their defeat dropped their record down to 13-7.

Coming up, Normal Community will be playing at home against Washington at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. The Panthers will roll in looking for their fourth straight victory, something the Ironmen surely won't give up without a fight. As for Normal West, they will square off against Hononegah at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. The Indians will roll in looking for their sixth straight win, something the Wildcats surely won't give up without a fight.