Dakota is a perfect 10-0 against Ashton-Franklin Center since April of 2015 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Wednesday. The Indians will square off against the Raiders at 4:30 p.m. Dakota is coming into the matchup hot, having won their last three games.
While Dakota's win against Durand/Pecatonica wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Indians narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past the Rivermen 9-8.
Brody Keeney
| 05/12/25 @ Durand/Pecatonica | 7 |
| 05/06/25 vs Orangeville | 11 |
| 04/30/25 @ East Dubuque | 8 |
| 04/22/25 @ Forreston | 10 |
| 04/15/25 @ Pearl City | 5 |
| + 3 more games |
Brody Keeney made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off four hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in eight consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and one run.
In other batting news, Braxton Mazurkiewicz was a standout: he went 2-for-5 with two RBI and one run. Brodie Goode was another key player, going 2-for-5 with two stolen bases and two runs.
Dakota kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They are a perfect 10-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Ashton-Franklin Center). They were the clear victors by a 22-8 margin over Alden-Hebron on Tuesday. The Raiders might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won nine contests by eight runs or more this season.
Like Dakota, Ashton-Franklin Center also got a great game from a two-way player: Aaron Lester. Throwing, Lester tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Ben Rockwood struck out seven batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. Those seven strikeouts gave him a new career-high. At the plate, Lester went 2-for-5 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI, while Rockwood got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases and one run. Ashton-Franklin Center is 10-1 when Lester posts two or more runs, but 6-9 otherwise.
In other batting news, Ashton-Franklin Center got a massive performance out of Brock Lehman, who went 4-for-5 with two stolen bases, five RBI, and two runs. The dominant performance also gave Lehman a new career-high in doubles (two). Another player making a difference was Logan O'Brien, who went 2-for-4 with four runs, two stolen bases, and two RBI.
The win made it two in a row for Ashton-Franklin Center and bumps their season record up to 16-10. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 15.5 runs over those games. As for Dakota, their record is now 16-12.
Wednesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Dakota hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .320. However, it's not like Ashton-Franklin Center struggles in that department as they've averaged .329. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Dakota took their win against Ashton-Franklin Center when the teams last played back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 15-4 score. Will the Indians repeat their success, or do the Raiders have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
