Softball Recap: Gillespie Finds Home Field Redemption Against Vandalia

Miners

Margin (Wins)

03/17/25 @ Ramsey	27
03/31/25 vs Metro-East Lutheran	15
04/08/25 vs Litchfield	10
04/07/25 vs Lincolnwood	10
03/26/25 @ Nokomis	9

There's no place like home for Gillespie, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Thursday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Vandalia Vandals a 7-0 shutout on Friday. The result was nothing new for the Miners, who have now won six contests by seven runs or more so far this season.

Not much got past Paxton Reid, who gave up just four hits and racked up eight Ks to keep Vandalia off the board. Reid has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances.

At the plate, the team relied heavily on Delaney Taylor, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-2. Ava Rakers was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while getting on base in two of her four plate appearances.

Gillespie hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post two or more strikeouts.

Gillespie pushed their record up to 7-5 with the victory, which was their fourth straight at home. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.8 runs on average over those games. As for Vandalia, they have been struggling recently as they've lost four of their last five matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 2-6 record this season.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Gillespie will square off against Collinsville at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. As for Vandalia, they will take on Mulberry Grove at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. The Aces' pitching crew has only allowed four runs per game this season, so the Vandals' hitters will have their work cut out for them.