Baseball Game Preview: Marion Wildcats vs. Centralia Orphans

The Marion Wildcats will head out to take on the Centralia Orphans at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The last three games Marion has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.

Marion is probably headed into the game with a chip on their shoulder considering Goreville just ended the team's ten-game winning streak on Monday. They fell just short of the Blackcats by a score of 7-6.

Meanwhile, Centralia entered their tilt with Odin/Patoka/Sandoval on Monday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They were the clear victors by a 15-0 margin over the Eagles. The result was nothing new for the Orphans, who have now won six contests by eight runs or more so far this season.

Xavier Koch made a splash no matter where he played. He kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits over four innings pitched. What's more, he posted five strikeouts, the most he's had since back in March. He was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs and one double. He has become a key player for Centralia: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 6-8 otherwise.

In other batting news, Drake Fahringer was incredible, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Centralia's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 7-8 when he doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of Austin Arthur, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with two RBI, one run, and one double.

Centralia always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .621. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.

Marion's defeat dropped their record down to 14-5. As for Centralia, their record is now 11-8.

Marion beat Centralia 5-2 in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Wildcats since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.