The Hobart Brickies will challenge the Andrean Fighting 59ers at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Hobart has given up an average of 8.9 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Hobart couldn't beat Hanover Central on Wednesday even though they stacked six runs on them in the second inning. The Brickies fell 15-11 to the Wildcats. The Brickies have struggled against the Wildcats recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost meeting.
Taylor Lopez led a balanced group of hitters, going 3-for-5 with three runs, three RBI, and two doubles. The team also got some help courtesy of Ladan Weinman, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
The home team had won the previous four meetings between Andrean and Kankakee Valley, and Andrean kept the tradition alive. The Fighting 59ers walked away with a 9-4 win over the Kougars on Tuesday.
Sadie Drousias made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching seven innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off eight hits. Drousias was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two runs.
In other batting news, Maggie Voliva was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Lanie Doukas, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
Andrean always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .528. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Kankakee Valley only posted an OBP of .355.
Hobart now has a losing record of 7-8. As for Andrean, their victory bumped their record up to 10-6.
Thursday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Hobart hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .329. However, it's not like Andrean struggles in that department as they've averaged .412. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hobart skirted past Andrean 5-3 when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Will the Brickies repeat their success, or do the Fighting 59ers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
