Hoopeston is a perfect 9-0 against Schlarman since April of 2016 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Cornjerkers will host the Hilltoppers at 4:30 p.m. Schlarman took a loss in their last match and will be looking to turn the tables on Hoopeston, who comes in off a win.
Hoopeston headed into their last game having not scored more than two runs for four straight, but Cissna Park let them put that streak behind them. The Cornjerkers blew past the Timberwolves 12-2 on Wednesday. The Cornjerkers haven't had any issues with the Timberwolves recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive victory against them.
Brayden Cornelius
| 04/01/25 @ Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley | 6 |
| 04/10/25 vs Paxton-Buckley-Loda | 4 |
| 03/28/25 vs Manteno | 4 |
| 03/25/25 @ Paris | 2 |
Brayden Cornelius made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out seven over five innings pitched. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Hoopeston is 2-1 when he allows at most two earned runs, but 4-14 otherwise. Cornelius was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one run and one RBI.
In other batting news, Dylan Judy was incredible, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with three RBI, two runs, and one double. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in March. Dallas Sheppard was another key player, going 3-for-5 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
Hoopeston always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .541. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Cissna Park only posted an OBP of .400.
Meanwhile, Schlarman was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their fifth straight defeat. They came up short against Georgetown-Ridge Farm/Chrisman, falling 10-4.
Miles Crosby made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Colton Kotcher, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one run.
Schlarman's loss dropped their record down to 4-8. As for Hoopeston, their win bumped their record up to 6-15.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Hoopeston has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Schlarman struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Hoopeston took their victory against Schlarman when the teams last played back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 13-0 score. Will the Cornjerkers repeat their success, or do the Hilltoppers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
