Wheeler is a perfect 10-0 against Whiting since April of 2018 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Bearcats will host the Oilers at 5:00 p.m. Wheeler is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7 runs per game this season.
Wheeler's pitching crew heads into the match hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Thursday. They were the clear victors by an 11-0 margin over Merrillville. The Bearcats haven't had any issues with the Pirates recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive victory against them.
Cadence Piunti made a splash while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out nine over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one walk in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with two runs and one stolen base.
Rileyann Welch
| 04/24/25 vs Merrillville | 4 |
| 04/03/25 vs Washington Township | 2 |
| 05/11/24 @ Bremen | 2 |
| 04/23/24 @ River Forest | 2 |
| 04/15/25 vs Griffith | 1 |
In other batting news, Rileyann Welch was a standout: she went 1-for-2 with four RBI, one stolen base, and one run. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Faith Kromray was another key player, going 1-for-2 with one home run.
Wheeler kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Hebron hit Whiting with a four-run fifth inning on Thursday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Oilers came up short against the Hawks, falling 12-3. The loss continues a trend for the Oilers in their meetings with the Hawks: they've now lost four in a row.
Whiting saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Arianna Vianello, who went 1-for-2 with two RBI.
Whiting's defeat dropped their record down to 5-2. As for Wheeler, their win bumped their record up to 5-3.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Wheeler hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .355. However, it's not like Whiting struggles in that department as they've averaged .415. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Wheeler took their victory against Whiting in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 15-1 score. Will the Bearcats repeat their success, or do the Oilers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
