The Hillsboro Trojans will take on the Halstead Dragons at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Hillsboro is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7 runs per game this season.
Hillsboro had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 15-run drubbing they dealt Herington on Tuesday. The Trojans were the clear victors by a 16-1 margin over the Railroaders. The Trojans not only won on Tuesday, but they posted their biggest win since April 23, 2024.
Dalton Philpott made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing three innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Hillsboro is 3-1 when he allows at most two walks, but 1-5 otherwise. Philpott was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3. What's more, he posted three RBI, the most he's had since back in April of 2024.
Aiden Hurst
| 04/15/25 vs Herington | 6 |
| 04/08/25 vs Moundridge | 2 |
| 03/25/25 @ Canton-Galva | 2 |
| 04/11/25 vs Smoky Valley | 1 |
| 04/03/25 @ Haven | 1 |
| + 1 more games |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Aiden Hurst, who scored three runs and stole six bases while going 2-for-2. He has become a key player for Hillsboro: the team is 2-1 when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 2-5 otherwise. Zayne Haslett was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing three bases while getting on base in two of his three plate appearances.
Hillsboro always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .560. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Halstead might be feeling deja-vu: they lost 10-2 to Haven, which was the same score (and result) they got the week prior. The Dragons have struggled against the Wildcats recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive lost meeting.
Noah Diehl was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring a run and stealing three bases while going 3-for-4. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last seven games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Reece Carmichael, who went 1-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one double.
Halstead's defeat dropped their record down to 2-10. As for Hillsboro, their victory bumped their record up to 4-6.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Hillsboro has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.9 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Halstead struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Hillsboro suffered a grim 11-0 defeat to Halstead in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Will the Trojans have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
