The Greenfield/Northwestern Tigers will take on the East Alton-Wood River Oilers at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Greenfield/Northwestern has given up an average of 10.5 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
It was a proper cat-fight when Greenfield/Northwestern challenged Jersey on Monday. Greenfield/Northwestern came up short against Jersey, falling 14-6. The Tigers haven't had much luck with the Panthers recently, as the team has come up short the last eight times they've met.
Karissa Ruyle
| 03/24/25 @ Jersey | 3 |
| 03/22/25 @ Illini West | 2 |
| 03/19/25 vs Marquette Catholic | 2 |
| 04/13/24 vs New Berlin/Franklin/Waverly | 2 |
| 04/08/24 @ Routt Catholic | 2 |
Karissa Ruyle was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring three runs while going 2-for-2. Those three runs gave her a new career-high. Kinze Pitchford also deserves some recognition as she brought in her first RBI of the season.
Even though they lost, Greenfield/Northwestern lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for East Alton-Wood River, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Hillsboro on Thursday, sneaking past 7-6.
Ellie Beachum was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over seven innings while giving up three earned (and three unearned) runs off seven hits (and only one walk). Beachum was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-4. Beachum is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: she's snagged at least two every time she's taken the field this season.
In other batting news, Jordan Ealey was excellent, scoring two runs while going 3-for-4. Another player making a difference was Olivia Sheets, who scored a run while going 2-for-2.
East Alton-Wood River now has a winning record of 2-1. As for Greenfield/Northwestern, their loss dropped their record down to 2-4.
Tuesday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Greenfield/Northwestern hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .371. However, it's not like East Alton-Wood River struggles in that department as they've averaged .367. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Greenfield/Northwestern was able to grind out a solid win over East Alton-Wood River when the teams last played back in March of 2024, winning 8-3. Will Greenfield/Northwestern repeat their success, or does East Alton-Wood River has a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
