The Highland Bulldogs will head out to take on the Mater Dei Knights at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Highland is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.8 runs per game this season.
Highland's pitching crew heads into the matchup hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Monday. They put the hurt on Granite City with a sharp 9-0 win. The Bulldogs haven't had any issues with the Warriors recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive victory against them.
Chase Knebel
| 04/07/25 @ Granite City | 12 |
| 03/31/25 vs Breese Central | 11 |
| 03/24/25 vs Byron | 8 |
Chase Knebel made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out 12 over 5.2 innings pitched. Highland is undefeated when Knebel posts eight or more strikeouts, but 0-3 otherwise. Knebel was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3. That's the most hits he has posted since back in May of 2024.
In other batting news, Will Jansen and Garrin Stone did most of the damage at the plate: Jansen scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances, while Stone scored a run while going 1-for-2. Those two runs gave Jansen a new career-high. Jackson Gutzler also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Highland hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Granite City struck out 13 times.
Meanwhile, Mater Dei was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They fell 5-1 to Teutopolis.
Ethan Wheelan was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: he pitched five innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. What's more, he gave up only one walk, the fewest he's had since back in April of 2024.
At the plate, Trey Winkeler was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-2.
Mater Dei's defeat dropped their record down to 1-3. As for Highland, the win got them back to even at 3-3.
Highland's speedy runners might be the difference in Tuesday's contest. The Bulldogs have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.8 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Mater Dei, though, as they've been averaging only 0.2 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Highland continue to outrun the ball?
Highland skirted past Mater Dei 8-6 in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Bulldogs since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
