Elgin has won seven straight games at home (dating back to last season), while Newcastle has won seven straight on the road also dating back to last season, but those streaks won't matter much on Friday. The Elgin Owls will welcome the Newcastle Racers at 7:30 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Elgin made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Collinsville, but they still couldn't quite topple them. Elgin blew past Collinsville 12-5 on Thursday. Elgin's victory was all the more impressive since the Cardinals were averaging only 3.33 runs allowed on the season.
The team relied heavily on Ritson Meyer, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and two doubles. The team also got some help courtesy of Mason Thornton, who scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Meanwhile, everything went Newcastle's way against Bethany on Thursday as Newcastle made off with a 12-2 win. The Racers haven't had any issues with the Bronchos recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.
Ryder Gibson made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, he posted five strikeouts, the most he's had since back in April of 2024. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 1-for-2. That run marked the first that he scored this season.
In other batting news, Sheamus McLaughlin was incredible, scoring a run while going 3-for-3. He also put up a double, which was his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Lane Seaton, who scored two runs while getting on base in two of his three plate appearances.
Newcastle always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .654. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .536 or higher in three consecutive games.
Newcastle's win bumped their record up to 7-0. As for Elgin, their victory bumped their record up to 8-0.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Elgin has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .642. However, it's not like Newcastle struggles in that department as they've averaged .565. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Elgin suffered a grim 11-3 defeat to Newcastle when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Will Elgin have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
