The South Beloit Sobos are taking a road trip to square off against the Clinton Cougars at 4:45 p.m. on Monday. South Beloit is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.9 runs per game this season.
South Beloit made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Pecatonica, but they still couldn't quite topple them. The Sobos fell just short of the Indians by a score of 10-8 on Friday. That makes it the first time this season the Sobos have let down their home crowd.
Macey Lineman made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 4-for-5 with one home run and four RBI. That home run was her first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Shelby Ambrose, who went 1-for-4 with one stolen base and one run.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Clinton). Their pitcher stepped up to hand Delavan-Darien a 19-0 shutout on Thursday. The win was familiar territory for the Cougars, who have now won six matchups in a row.
Layla Brown made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out ten over five innings pitched. Brown was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April.
In other batting news, Keylee Vander Pal was incredible, going 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March. London Winch was another key player, going 1-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Clinton always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .744. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
South Beloit suffered their first home loss, dropping their record down to 6-5. As for Clinton, their record is now 12-4.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. South Beloit has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .491. However, it's not like Clinton struggles in that department as they've averaged .468. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
South Beloit might still be hurting after the 11-1 defeat they got from Clinton in their previous meeting back in April of 2025. Can the Sobos avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
