The Oswego East Wolves will head out to challenge the Metea Valley Mustangs at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.
Oswego East had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 11-run drubbing they dealt Plainfield East on Tuesday. The Wolves blew past the Bengals 12-1. The Wolves' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Nick Brennan looked comfortable as he tossed four innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit.
At the plate, TJ Anderson was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, seven RBI, and three runs. Those seven RBI gave him a new career-high. Derek Kubek also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Oswego East was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .320 or higher in three consecutive contests.
While Metea Valley didn't have the best season last year (they finished 11-19), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They never let Rolling Meadows get on the board and left with an 8-0 victory on Tuesday. The result was nothing new for Metea Valley, who have now won four matches by eight runs or more so far this season.
Tyler Gluting made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out nine batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Gluting was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 2-for-5.
In other pitching news, Kayden Nimer looked comfortable as he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over four innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Michael Willhite, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3. Another player making a difference was Carter Behrns, who scored a run while going 2-for-3.
Oswego East's record is now 3-5. As for Metea Valley, their record now sits at 7-2.
Oswego East came out on top in a nail-biter against Metea Valley in their previous meeting back in May of 2023, sneaking past 5-3. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Wolves since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
