The Chiles Timberwolves will challenge the Madison County Cowboys at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Chiles comes in on three and Madison County on four.
While Chiles didn't have the best season last year (they finished 10-14), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. Everything went their way against Freeport on Friday as Chiles made off with a 16-1 victory. Considering the Timberwolves have won six matches by more than six runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Anna Kate Barber was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She struck out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and not a single walk). She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.
In other pitching news, Avery Jones looked comfortable as she pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Mia Hemenway, who fired off two home runs, seven RBI, and three runs while going 3-for-4. Another player making a difference was Adelyn Matthews, who scored three runs and stole Three bases. while going 3-for-4.
Chiles kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least nine hits in 13 consecutive games dating back to last season.
Madison County hadn't beaten Lafayette on the road since March 8, 2019 but that history sure didn't bother them last Thursday. Madison County walked away with a 6-1 win over Lafayette.
Madison County pushed their record up to 4-0 with the victory, which was their third straight on the road. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.3 runs on average over those games. As for Chiles, their win bumped their record up to 7-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Chiles has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Madison County struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Chiles came up short against Madison County when the teams last played back in April of 2024, falling 8-3. Can Chiles avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
