Nebraska City and Beatrice are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2017, but likely not for long. The Pioneers will be playing in front of their home fans against the Orangemen at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Having struggled with nine losses in a row, Nebraska City turned things around against Falls City on Friday. They blew past the Tigers 8-2. The Pioneers not only won on Friday, but they posted their biggest win since March 31st (when they won 10-0).
Landon Ferguson
| 04/25/25 @ Falls City | 3 |
| 03/31/25 vs Auburn | 6 |
Landon Ferguson was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits. What's more, he posted three strikeouts, the most he's had since back in March. He was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with three stolen bases and two runs.
In other pitching news, Derek Van Arsdol looked comfortable as he pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks any time he's pitched this season.
Back at the plate, Carter Hoyle was excellent, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in March. James Fairbanks was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Nebraska City was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .385. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Falls City only posted a batting average of .095.
Meanwhile, Beatrice beat Platteview 5-1 on Friday.
Kale Koch spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on five hits and racked up eight Ks. He is becoming a predictor of Beatrice's success: when he posts at least eight strikeouts the team is undefeated (and 6-8 when he doesn't).
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Austin Baldwin, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and two doubles. He has become a key player for Beatrice: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 3-8 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Ty Weichel, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
Nebraska City's win bumped their record up to 4-12. As for Beatrice, they now have a winning record of 9-8.
Nebraska City came out on top in a nail-biter against Beatrice in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, sneaking past 4-3. Do the Pioneers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Orangemen turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
