The Marion Warriors will venture away from home to take on the Hillsboro Trojans at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Marion is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.9 runs per game this season.
On Friday, Marion had just enough and edged out Inman 11-10.
Jameson Looper
| 04/25/25 vs Inman | 5 |
| 04/17/25 vs Canton-Galva | 4 |
| 03/21/25 @ Clearwater | 4 |
| 04/09/24 @ Canton-Galva | 3 |
| 03/28/25 vs Ell-Saline | 2 |
Jameson Looper was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in strikeouts (five). He was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Marion is 7-2 when Looper posts two or more runs, but 3-6 otherwise.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Kadon Mercer, who went 1-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one double. That's the most runs he has posted since back in May of 2024.
Meanwhile, Hillsboro was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fourth straight loss. They fell 10-7 to Hoisington.
Nash Dickinson made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. Jace Morales also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Marion has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six matchups. That's provided a massive bump to their 10-8 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.2 runs over those games. As for Hillsboro, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-11.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Marion has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Hillsboro struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 6.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Marion came out on top in a nail-biter against Hillsboro in their previous matchup back in May of 2018, sneaking past 6-5. Will the Warriors repeat their success, or do the Trojans have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
