DuQuoin and Anna-Jonesboro are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2018, but likely not for long. The DuQuoin Indians will be playing in front of their home fans against the Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Both teams come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Having struggled with seven losses in a row, DuQuoin finally turned things around against Frankfort on Tuesday. DuQuoin blew past Frankfort 15-9. DuQuoin's offense finally found a way to get into gear: the high-octane performance was a 180-degree turn from their last three games.
Essence Haynes was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she pitched seven innings while giving up five earned (and four unearned) runs off 11 hits. Haynes was also big at the plate, going 4-for-5 with two RBI.
In other batting news, Lucy Milam was incredible, going 3-for-4 with a home run, three RBI, and two runs. Another player making a difference was Addysen Denault, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, Anna-Jonesboro came tearing into Tuesday's match with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 11.7 runs) and they left with even more momentum. They had just enough and edged the Panthers out 9-8.
Ruby Yates spent all nine innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered six earned (and two unearned) runs on 15 hits and racked up six Ks. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive pitching appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Jayda Shepard, who went 2-for-5 with a home run, three RBI, and two runs. The team also got some help courtesy of Emma Craig, who went 2-for-4 with four RBI.
DuQuoin's win ended a five-game drought at home and bumped them up to 8-12. As for Anna-Jonesboro, their victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 14-4.
Friday's contest will be a test for both team's pitchers. DuQuoin hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .324. However, it's not like Anna-Jonesboro struggles in that department as they've averaged .343. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
DuQuoin came up short against Anna-Jonesboro in their previous matchup back in April of 2023, falling 5-1. Can DuQuoin avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
