The Illini West Chargers are taking a road trip to square off against the Sherrard Tigers at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Illini West has given up an average of 6.8 runs per game this season, but Wednesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
On Tuesday, Illini West didn't have quite enough to beat Cuba/Spoon River Valley and fell 11-10.
Kennedy Gunning
| 04/08/25 @ Cuba/Spoon River Valley | 1 |
| 04/03/25 vs Monmouth-Roseville | 2 |
| 04/01/25 vs West Prairie | 3 |
Kennedy Gunning made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4. She has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times she's played. Ella Shutwell also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Meanwhile, Sherrard is still undefeated this season after their contest against Biggsville West Central on Thursday, but Biggsville West Central came as close as anyone has to beating them. The Tigers came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 5-4 W against the Heat. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Tigers have posted since April 19, 2024.
Savanah Hauger was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Hauger was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.
In other batting news, Nadia Anderson was excellent, going 1-for-3 with one home run and two runs.
Sherrard pushed their record up to 7-0 with the win, which was their sixth straight on the road dating back to last season. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.0 runs over those games. As for Illini West, they have been struggling recently as they've lost six of their last eight matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-8 record this season.
Wednesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Illini West hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .324. However, it's not like Sherrard struggles in that department as they've averaged .348. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Illini West came out on top in a nail-biter against Sherrard when the teams last played back in March of 2017, sneaking past 5-4. Will the Chargers repeat their success, or do the Tigers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
