The Frankfort Redbirds will square off against the Benton Rangers at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Frankfort made up a huge gap compared to their last game against DuQuoin, but they still couldn't quite topple them. The Redbirds blew past the Indians 14-4 on Friday. While the Redbirds didn't have the best season last year (they finished 13-18), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Frankfort got a massive performance out of Makayla Joyner, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4. Presley Sollers was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing three bases while going 1-for-4.
Frankfort was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .486. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .308 or higher in seven consecutive matches.
Meanwhile, Benton hadn't done well against Nashville recently (they were 0-5 in their previous five matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. The Rangers put the hurt on the Hornets with a sharp 14-7 win. While the Rangers didn't have the best season last year (they finished 8-22), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Carlie James (2026) was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off four hits. James (2026) was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with one double.
In other batting news, Bella Miller was a standout: she went 4-for-5 with three runs, four RBI, and one stolen base. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Malia Webb (2025), who got on base in five of her six plate appearances with four RBI, one run, and one double.
Frankfort pushed their record up to 10-2 with the victory, which was their fifth straight on the road. The road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.0 runs over those games. As for Benton, they have been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five games. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-5 record this season.
Monday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Frankfort hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .397. However, it's not like Benton struggles in that department as they've averaged .460. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Frankfort's way against Benton in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, as Frankfort made off with a 10-3 victory. Do the Redbirds have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Rangers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
