The Belvidere Bucs will challenge the Rockford Auburn Knights at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
While Belvidere's win against Rockford East wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Bucs skirted past the E-Rabs 8-6. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Bucs have posted since May 17, 2024.
Gio Urbietta was excellent, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and one run. Griffin Wendell was another key player, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Rockford Auburn, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Monday. They walked away with an 8-5 win over Jefferson on Wednesday. The victory was some much needed relief for the Knights as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
Walter Povalitis made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He pitched seven innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off six hits. What's more, he posted five strikeouts, the most he's had since back in April. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with two runs. Rockford Auburn is 3-1 when Povalitis posts two or more runs, but 0-12 otherwise.
In other batting news, Jamar Reedy and Jacob Chidley did most of the damage at the plate: Reedy went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI, while Chidley went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run. That's the most RBI Chidley has posted since back in May of 2024. Tevin Stevens also deserves some recognition as he scored his first run of the season.
Rockford Auburn's win bumped their record up to 3-13. As for Belvidere, their victory ended a nine-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 3-17.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Belvidere has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.9 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Rockford Auburn struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.9 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Belvidere took their win against Rockford Auburn when the teams last played back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 19-1 score. Do the Bucs have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Knights turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
