The Downers Grove North Trojans will head out on the road to take on the York Dukes at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Downers Grove North barely beat Berwyn/Cicero Morton the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Trojans were the clear victors by a 12-4 margin over the Mustangs on Saturday. The Trojans haven't had any issues with the Mustangs recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive win against them.
Ryan Noonan looked comfortable as he tossed four innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Sean Cabaj was a standout: he went 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was Brady Schallmoser, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Downers Grove North 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 .308 or higher in three consecutive matchups.
York came out on top against Proviso East on Saturday thanks in part to the team's impressive five-run first inning. The Dukes never let the Pirates get on the board and left with a 10-0 victory. The win was a breath of fresh air for the Dukes as it put an end to their four-game losing streak.
Nathan Rickenbrode looked comfortable as he pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Luke Pieczynski, who went 3-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double. Evan Mendiola was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with four RBI.
Downers Grove North's victory was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 24-6. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.0 runs over those games. As for York, their record now sits at 19-9.
Monday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Downers Grove North has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .437. However, it's not like York struggles in that department as they've averaged .453. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Downers Grove North couldn't quite get it done against York in their previous meeting back in May of 2024 as they fell 6-2. Can the Trojans avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
