The Independence/Gilmanton Indees will take on the Eleva-Strum Cardinals at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Independence/Gilmanton is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They put the hurt on Whitehall with a sharp 12-1 win on Monday. The Indees haven't had any issues with the Vikings recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
Nora Schank made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and not a single walk). 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 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March.
Harper Symicek
| 05/11/26 @ Whitehall | 3 |
| 05/05/26 @ Cochrane-Fountain City | 2 |
| 05/01/26 vs Melrose-Mindoro | 1 |
| 04/21/26 vs Whitehall | 1 |
| 04/14/26 @ Pepin/Alma | 1 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Harper Symicek, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with five RBI, two runs, and two doubles. Those three hits gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Hannah Ekern, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Independence/Gilmanton kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. They are 2-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Eleva-Strum owes their pitching crew a big pat on the back after their performance on Monday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Ellsworth, sneaking past 2-0.
Like Independence/Gilmanton, Eleva-Strum also got a great game from a two-way player: Ruby Bartholomew. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out 17 over seven innings pitched. Bartholomew was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Maddea Brown was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and one run.
Independence/Gilmanton's win bumped their record up to 5-7. As for Eleva-Strum, their victory bumped their record up to 8-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Independence/Gilmanton has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Eleva-Strum struggles in that department as they've been averaging 16 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Independence/Gilmanton couldn't quite finish off Eleva-Strum in their previous matchup two weeks ago and fell 3-1. Will the Indees have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
