Pekin hasn't had much luck against Washington recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Dragons will head out to face off against the Panthers at 7:00 p.m.
On Wednesday, Pekin didn't have quite enough to beat Dunlap and fell 3-1. That's two games in a row now that the Dragons have lost by exactly two runs.
Pekin saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Matt Stropes, who went 1-for-3 with one home run.
Meanwhile, Washington made easy work of Ottawa on Saturday and carried off a 9-3 win. The Panthers have beaten the Pirates the last six times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Pirates has come to flipping the script.
Jackson Vanderheydt tossed a big game, striking out six batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off six hits (and only one walk). He also tossed a walk, which is notable because Washington is undefeated when he allows at most two walks, but 4-5 otherwise.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Anson Zaiser, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. That's the most hits he has posted since back in May of 2025. Gavin Jones was another key player, going 3-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Washington's record is now 8-5. As for Pekin, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-6.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Pekin has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Washington struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Pekin might still be hurting after the 11-1 loss they got from Washington in their previous meeting back in April of 2025. Can the Dragons avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
