The Illini Bluffs Tigers will head out on the road to square off against the Farmington Farmers at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Illini Bluffs is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 9.9 runs per game this season.
After only one run in their last game, Illini Bluffs made sure to put some runs up on the board against ROWVA/Williamsfield on Monday. Illini Bluffs was the clear victor by a 10-0 margin over ROWVA/Williamsfield. Illini Bluffs might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team's won four matches by ten runs or more this season.
Justis Dugger looked comfortable as he pitched an inning while giving up no earned runs or hits (he also didn't allow any walks).
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Toby Cooper, who went 2-for-4 with a triple, two RBI, and a double. Chris Drake was another key contributor, scoring a run while going 1-for-4.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 13 runs the game before, Farmington was a bit more limited in their matchup on Monday. They fell just short of Cuba/Spoon River Valley by a score of 3-2. Farmington has struggled against Cuba/Spoon River Valley recently, as their contest on Monday was their fifth consecutive lost matchup.
Landon Crusen was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-2 with two RBI and a double. Another player making a difference was Dawson Foster, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Illini Bluffs has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four games, which provided a nice bump to their 5-2 record this season. As for Farmington, their loss dropped their record down to 4-6.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both teams have some strikeout artists on the roster. Illini Bluffs has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 10.3 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Farmington struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.8. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Illini Bluffs came up short against Farmington in their previous meeting back in May of 2023, falling 13-8. Can Illini Bluffs 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