Hoopeston dropped to 5-11 on Friday, ending the team's three-game streak of wins on the road. They fell just short of the Schlarman Hilltoppers by a score of 12-11. The Cornjerkers were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Hilltoppers apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in May of 2025.
Fletcher Swartz and Cole Miller did some serious damage despite the final result: Swartz got on base in three of his four plate appearances with four RBI, one stolen base, and one run, while Miller went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI, and one run. Swartz also hit a double, marking his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Brayden Cornelius, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
As for Schlarman, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 3-7 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.0 runs over those games.
On Schlarman's side, Jerrius Atkinson made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, Atkinson posted five strikeouts, the most he's had since back in April of 2025. He was even better at the plate, firing off two home runs, three runs, and three RBI while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. He is becoming a predictor of Schlarman's success: when he posts at least three RBI the team is undefeated (and 0-7 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Will Fowler was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Liam Billings, who went 2-for-3 with two runs and one double.
We've got plenty of inter-conference action coming up soon. Hoopeston is set to face off against their familiar foe Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Meanwhile, Schlarman will square off against rival Westville at 4:30 p.m. on Monday.
