Softball Game Preview: McLean County Cougars vs. Hancock County Hornets

McLean County is 0-10 against Hancock County since April of 2019 but things could change on Friday. The Cougars will look to defend their home field against the Hornets at 5:30 p.m. McLean County has given up an average of 11.8 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Thursday just wasn't the day for McLean County's offense. They came up short against Muhlenberg County on Thursday, falling 15-0. Having soared to a lofty ten runs in the game before, the Cougars' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.

McLean County saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Ava McCarty, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base. Leah Searcy also deserves some recognition as she got her first hit of the season.

Meanwhile, Hancock County earned a 7-3 victory over Perry Central on Thursday. The Hornets haven't had any issues with the Commodores recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.

Bella Bryant made a big impact no matter where she played. She pitched 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one home run and two RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March.

In other batting news, Baylee Estes was excellent, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs. Jordyn Waltrip was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one home run.

Hancock County's victory was their seventh straight at home, which pushed their record up to 9-8. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.1 runs over those games. As for McLean County, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-8-1.

McLean County might still be hurting after the 15-0 loss they got from Hancock County when the teams last played back in March. Will the Cougars have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.