Baseball Recap: West Prairie Snaps Eight-Game Streak of Losses at Home

West Prairie had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the eight-run drubbing they dealt Astoria/VIT on Saturday. The Cyclones' pitchers stepped up to hand the Rebels an 8-0 shutout. The Cyclones not only won on Saturday, but they posted their biggest win since April 22, 2024 (when they won 12-2).

Matthew Whitman was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 13 over 5.1 innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one triple. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in April of 2024.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Austin Nelson, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Those four hits gave him a new career-high. Braden Coplan was another key player, going 1-for-3 with five stolen bases and three runs.

West Prairie kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.

West Prairie's win ended an eight-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 2-8. As for Astoria/VIT, they are on a 27-game losing streak (dating back to last season) that has dropped them down to 0-12.

Looking ahead, West Prairie will square off against Cuba/Spoon River Valley at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. As for Astoria/VIT, they will challenge Brimfield at 4:30 p.m. on Monday.