The Lyons Lions will head out on the road to challenge the Willowbrook Warriors at 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday. The last three games Lyons has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
Lyons is headed into the matchup having just suffered their closest loss since April 15, 2024 on Tuesday. They fell just short of Leyden by a score of 7-5.
Caylee Wagner spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and six unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up seven Ks. Those hits marked the first that she allowed this season.
On the hitting side, Ava Jacklin was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3. She also put up an RBI, which was her first of the season. Mia Jovicic was another key player, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Willowbrook, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Wednesday. They won by a run and slipped past Amundsen 8-7. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Warriors have posted since May 22, 2024.
Willowbrook also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Isabel Bates gave up five earned (and two unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up seven Ks.
At the plate, Sonia Ruchala was incredible, firing off two home runs, six RBI, and one double while going 3-for-5. Another player making a difference was Allison Coppersmith, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with one home run and three runs.
Willowbrook was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .379. They are 3-1 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Willowbrook now has a winning record of 5-4. As for Lyons, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-2.
Fans could be in store for some top-tier slugging on Wednesday. Lyons hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.4 home runs per game. However, it's not like Willowbrook struggles in that department as they've been averaging 0.8 home runs. With so much power on both teams, it'll be down to the pitchers to keep the mound locked down.
Lyons couldn't quite get it done against Willowbrook in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 as they fell 3-0. Can the Lions avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
