Gibault Catholic is 9-1 against Valmeyer since April of 2022 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Saturday. The Hawks will face off against the Pirates at 10:00 a.m. Gibault Catholic is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.2 runs per game this season.
Having struggled with six losses in a row, Gibault Catholic turned things around against Nashville on Thursday. They had just enough and edged out the Hornets 2-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Hawks have posted since April 16th.
Dante Gianino spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on four hits and racked up 13 Ks. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Gibault Catholic is 4-1 when he allows at most two earned runs, but 9-12 otherwise.
Kole Schilling
| 04/22/26 vs Trico | 3 |
| 03/23/26 vs New Athens | 3 |
| 05/07/26 @ Nashville | 2 |
| 04/13/26 @ Sparta | 2 |
| 04/08/26 @ Althoff Catholic | 2 |
| + 5 more games |
At the plate, Kole Schilling was excellent, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two stolen bases and one RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Gibault Catholic's success: when he posts at least two stolen bases the team is 8-1 (and 5-12 when he doesn't).
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Valmeyer, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Saturday. They were the clear victors by a 10-4 margin over Steeleville on Thursday. Considering the Pirates' hitters had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.
Luke Blackwell made a splash while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out eight over six innings pitched. Blackwell was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases and three runs. That's the most runs he has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Chase Snyder, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was Evan Hill, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base and two RBI.
The victory got Gibault Catholic back to even at 13-13. As for Valmeyer, their record now sits at 10-12.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Gibault Catholic has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Valmeyer struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Gibault Catholic beat Valmeyer 5-1 in their previous meeting back in May of 2025. Do the Hawks have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Pirates turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
