The Pioneer Panthers will square off against the Rensselaer Central Bombers at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Pioneer is coming into the contest hot, having won their last six games.
On Friday, Pioneer got the win against Benton Central by a conclusive 15-2. The Panthers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven matchups by 11 runs or more this season.
Lois Layer made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over six innings pitched. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 5-for-5 with three stolen bases, four runs, and three doubles. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024.
Averi Layer
| 05/09/25 vs Benton Central | 5 |
| 04/12/25 @ Rochester | 3 |
| 05/05/25 vs Oregon-Davis | 2 |
| 04/28/25 vs Frontier | 2 |
| 04/26/25 @ Tippecanoe Valley | 1 |
In other batting news, Averi Layer was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with five RBI, two runs, and one double. Those five RBI gave her a new career-high. Addison Kennell was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Pioneer hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters in six consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Rensselaer Central earned a 6-2 victory over North Judson-San Pierre on Thursday. The win continues a trend for the Bombers in their matchups with the Bluejays: they've now won three in a row.
Kali Northcutt spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on four hits and racked up 12 Ks.
At the plate, Kylie Spencer and Stacia Crabtree did most of the damage at the plate: Spencer went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one double, and one RBI, while Crabtree went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two doubles, and one run. Another player making a difference was Brynn Hannon, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Rensselaer Central's victory bumped their record up to 9-5. As for Pioneer, their win bumped their record up to 11-7.
Saturday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Pioneer hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .366. However, it's not like Rensselaer Central struggles in that department as they've averaged .337. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Pioneer took their victory against Rensselaer Central when the teams last played back in May of 2022 by a conclusive 10-0 score. Do the Panthers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Bombers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
