Softball Game Preview: Rock Island Rocks vs. Biggsville West Central Heat

The Rock Island Rocks will head out to take on the Biggsville West Central Heat at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Rock Island's pitching crew has only allowed 2.6 runs per game this season, so Biggsville West Central's hitters will have their work cut out for them.

Last Thursday, Rock Island didn't have quite enough to beat Sterling and fell 5-4. The loss continues a trend for the Rocks in their meetings with the Golden Warriors: they've now lost five in a row.

AJ Lincoln made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 3-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. A'Rion Lonergan also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.

Meanwhile, Biggsville West Central scored first but ultimately less than Sherrard in their match on Thursday. They fell just short of the Tigers by a score of 5-4. The loss was the Heat's first of the season.

Addie Seitz spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and four unearned) runs on five hits and racked up ten Ks. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Biggsville West Central saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Miley Stimpson, who went 2-for-3 with one RBI.

Rock Island's defeat dropped their record down to 4-3. As for Biggsville West Central, their loss was their first of the season and makes their record 3-1.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Rock Island has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.4 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Biggsville West Central struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Rock Island might still be hurting after the 9-2 defeat they got from Biggsville West Central in their previous matchup back in April of 2023. Can the Rocks avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.