The Hanover Central Wildcats will square off against the Illiana Christian Vikings at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Illiana Christian will square off against a team with plenty of momentum: Hanover Central extended their winning streak to four on Tuesday. The Wildcats put the hurt on Highland with a sharp 20-5 victory. The Wildcats' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Matt Cook looked comfortable as he pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits any time he's pitched this season.
Aiden Creasbaum
| 04/22/25 @ Highland | 4 |
| 04/21/25 vs Highland | 1 |
| 04/15/25 vs Hobart | 1 |
| 04/10/25 @ Chicago Mt. Carmel | 1 |
| 04/08/25 @ Kankakee Valley | 1 |
On the hitting side, Aiden Creasbaum was a standout: he fired off two home runs, three runs, and four RBI while going 3-for-4. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Dylan Bowen, who fired off two home runs and four RBI while going 2-for-6.
Hanover Central lost a few balls and finished the game with four home runs. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Highland didn't launched any home runs.
Meanwhile, Illiana Christian never let their opponents score on Tuesday. They were the clear victors by a 16-0 margin over River Forest. The Vikings haven't had any issues with the Ingots recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive win against them.
Illiana Christian's victory was their ninth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 7-2. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they've averaged 11.8 runs this season. As for Hanover Central, their victory bumped their record up to 10-2.
Friday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Hanover Central hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .365. However, it's not like Illiana Christian struggles in that department as they've averaged .343. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Hanover Central's way against Illiana Christian when the teams last played back in April of 2024, as Hanover Central made off with a 13-5 win. Do the Wildcats have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Vikings turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
