Baseball Recap: Murphysboro Comes Up Short

Murphysboro extended their losing streak to four on Wednesday, dropping their season record down to 9-12 in the process. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 2-1 heartbreaker at the hands of the Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats. The Red Devils were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Wildcats earlier this season, when they won 15-3.

Gage Taylor put in work while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out seven over five innings pitched. Furthermore, he didn't allow a single earned run, the first time he has blanked an opponent since back in March. He was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one double.

As for Anna-Jonesboro, their victory bumped their record up to 6-10. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win they have posted against Murphysboro since April 27, 2022.

On Anna-Jonesboro's side, Aaron Sheffer spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on one hit and racked up 12 Ks. Sheffer is becoming a predictor of the Wildcats' success: when he posts at least eight strikeouts the team is undefeated (and 3-10 when he doesn't).

On the hitting side, Anna-Jonesboro saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Taj Hodges, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base and one run.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Murphysboro will host Benton at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. As for Anna-Jonesboro, they will take on Century at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.