Oak Forest hasn't had much luck against Lincoln-Way West recently, but that could start to change on Saturday. The Bengals will head out to square off against the Warriors at 11:00 a.m. Oak Forest is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.6 runs per game this season.
Oak Forest barely beat Evergreen Park the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Bengals' pitcher stepped up to hand the Mustangs an 11-0 shutout on Thursday. The Bengals might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight matchups by seven runs or more this season.
Justin Gibbs
| 04/24/25 @ Evergreen Park | 8 |
| 04/22/25 @ Hillcrest | 3 |
| 04/14/25 @ Tinley Park | 3 |
| 04/03/25 @ Blue Island Eisenhower | 11 |
Justin Gibbs was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out eight over six innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts he has posted over his last four games. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run.
In other batting news, Ashton Janowski was a standout: he got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two RBI, one run, and one double. Another player making a difference was Blake Morin, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run.
Oak Forest always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .538. They are 5-1 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Lincoln-Way West gave up the first runs on Thursday, but they didn't let that get them down. They walked away with a 4-1 victory over Sandburg.
Nolan Ballantine was excellent, earning two RBI, one run, and one stolen base.
Oak Forest is on a roll lately: they've won eight of their last nine contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 10-7-1 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Lincoln-Way West, their record now sits at 13-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Oak Forest has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.4 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Lincoln-Way West struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Oak Forest couldn't quite get it done against Lincoln-Way West in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 as they fell 6-3. Can the Bengals avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
