The Norris Titans will take on the Bennington Badgers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Norris 3.3, Bennington 3) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Norris proved they can win big on Monday (they won by 13) and on Tuesday they proved they can win the close ones too. They had just enough and edged out Gretna 4-3. The Titans haven't had any issues with the Dragons recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.
Eli Starner
| 04/29/25 @ Gretna | 3 |
| 04/25/25 vs Grand Island | 1 |
| 04/15/25 vs Blair | 2 |
| 04/07/25 @ Elkhorn | 1 |
| 04/04/25 @ Blair | 2 |
| 03/29/25 @ Waverly | 5 |
Eli Starner looked comfortable as he pitched 3.2 innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off two hits. What's more, he posted three strikeouts, the most he's had since back in March.
At the plate, Tanner Klein was excellent, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with two runs. That's the most runs he has posted since April 1st. Another player making a difference was Kyson Gana, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI.
Norris hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Gretna struck out seven times.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Bennington). They were the clear victors by a 23-1 margin over Omaha Northwest on Monday. The win was familiar territory for the Badgers, who have now won five matches in a row.
Jace Fitzgerald made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. Fitzgerald was also big at the plate, going a perfect 1-for-1 with three RBI and one triple. That triple marked the first that he has hit this season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Hunter Spencer, who went 3-for-6 with eight RBI, one triple, and one run. Mason Buechler was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs and two RBI.
Bennington's victory bumped their record up to 20-3. As for Norris, their win bumped their record up to 17-7.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Norris has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .435. However, it's not like Bennington struggles in that department as they've averaged .453. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Norris came out on top in a nail-biter against Bennington in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, sneaking past 5-4. Do the Titans have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Badgers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
