Bruins
| 04/22/25 vs Marion | 9 |
| 04/18/25 vs Blue River Valley | 9 |
| 04/18/25 vs Lewis Cass | 7 |
| 04/17/25 @ Muncie Central | 4 |
| 04/15/25 vs Southwood | 8 |
| + 5 more games |
Blackford is preparing for their first conference matchup of the season on Thursday. They will be playing at home against the Elwood Panthers at 5:00 p.m. Blackford is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.5 runs per game this season.
On Tuesday, Blackford earned a 9-4 victory over Marion. The win continues a trend for the Bruins in their matchups with the Giants: they've now won six in a row.
Owen Norton made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he pitched 5.1 innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits. Norton was also solid in the batter's box, earning one RBI, one run, and one stolen base.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Clayton Heflin, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs. Easton Massey was another key player, earning two RBI and one run.
Meanwhile, Elwood scored first but ultimately less than Wabash in their game on Tuesday. They came up short against the Apaches, falling 9-3. The defeat continues a trend for the Panthers in their meetings with the Apaches: they've now lost five in a row.
Aidan Flanagan was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. He is becoming a predictor of Elwood's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 0-5 when he doesn't).
Elwood's loss dropped their record down to 2-6. As for Blackford, the victory got them back to even at 5-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Blackford has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Elwood struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Blackford took their win against Elwood in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 12-1 score. Do the Bruins have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Panthers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
