Metro-East Lutheran hasn't had much luck against Southwestern recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Knights will head out to challenge the Piasa Birds at 4:30 p.m. Metro-East Lutheran is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.7 runs per game this season.
Metro-East Lutheran took a loss when they played away from home on Thursday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Monday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand Cahokia a 15-0 shutout. The victory continues a trend for the Knights in their matchups with the Comanches: they've now won seven in a row.
Alexis Weber was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out nine over four innings pitched. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with three runs and one RBI.
Keira Fischer
| 05/05/25 vs Cahokia | 2 |
| 04/28/25 vs Althoff Catholic | 1 |
| 04/22/25 @ Father McGivney Catholic | 1 |
| 03/21/25 @ Staunton | 1 |
| 03/18/25 @ Althoff Catholic | 2 |
In other batting news, Keira Fischer was excellent, getting on base in all three of her plate appearances with two runs. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March.
Metro-East Lutheran always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .593. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Southwestern had already won nine in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 10.4 runs) and they went ahead and made it ten on Tuesday. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 6-5 W against the Panthers.
Grace Strohbeck spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and two unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up six Ks.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Vivian Zurheide, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI, two doubles, and one stolen base. Sydney Valdes was another key player, going 3-for-4 with three runs.
Southwestern pushed their record up to 12-3-1 with the win, which was their sixth straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.8 runs over those games. As for Metro-East Lutheran, their record now sits at 4-8.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Metro-East Lutheran has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .436. However, it's not like Southwestern struggles in that department as they've averaged .443. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Metro-East Lutheran might still be hurting after the 19-1 loss they got from Southwestern in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Knights avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
