The DeKalb Barons will challenge the Carroll Chargers at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
DeKalb will bounce into Friday's matchup after beating Huntington North, who they had gone 2-7 against in their nine prior meetings. The Barons came out on top against the Vikings by a score of 13-8 on Wednesday. The game was the first time the Barons have beaten the Vikings on their field since May 1, 2019.
DeKalb got a massive performance out of Paige Storck, who went 3-for-5 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. That's the most RBI Storck has posted since back in May of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Rylee Moore, who went 2-for-4 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one double.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Carroll). Their pitcher stepped up to hand Norwell a 21-0 shutout on Thursday. Considering the Chargers have won six games by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Taylor Danley was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out 14 over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in eight consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, firing off two home runs and five RBI while going 4-for-5.
In other batting news, Lily Schultz was a standout: she went 1-for-2 with one home run and four RBI. Another player making a difference was Tessa Patterson, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.
Carroll always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .571. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Norwell only posted an OBP of .059.
Carroll's win bumped their record up to 11-4. As for DeKalb, the victory got them back to even at 9-9.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. DeKalb has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.1 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Carroll struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 2.7 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
DeKalb suffered a grim 6-0 defeat to Carroll in their previous matchup back in May of 2023. Will the Barons have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
