The Peotone Blue Devils will take on the Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park Hawks at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Peotone is coming into the contest hot, having won their last five games.
If Peotone beats Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park with three runs on Wednesday, it's going to be the squad's new lucky number: they've won their past two matchups with that exact score. The Blue Devils came out on top in a nail-biter against Reed-Custer on Tuesday, sneaking past 3-1.
Sophie Klawitter
| 04/29/25 @ Reed-Custer | 15 |
| 04/28/25 vs Reed-Custer | 15 |
| 04/26/25 @ Chicago Christian | 6 |
| 04/25/25 vs Grant Park | 17 |
| 04/22/25 vs Streator | 12 |
| + 6 more games |
Sophie Klawitter was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out 15 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in 11 consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one run.
In other batting news, Layla Johnson was excellent, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with one run and one double. Another player making a difference was Ava Kosmos, who went 1-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, after only two runs in their last game, Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park made sure to put some runs up on the board against Francis W. Parker on Monday. The Hawks blew past the Colonels 20-2. The result was nothing new for the Hawks, who have now won nine contests by 13 runs or more so far this season.
Like Peotone, Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park also got a great game from a two-way player: Rebecca Gonzalez. She didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts Gonzalez has posted since back in March. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with one home run, five RBI, and two runs.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Alyssa Lopez, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with four runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Rosie Lara was another key player, going 2-for-4 with three stolen bases and three runs.
Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .675. They are a perfect 9-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Peotone's victory bumped their record up to 11-8. As for Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park, their win bumped their record up to 10-2-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Peotone has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 13 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Everything went Peotone's way against Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park in their previous matchup back in April of 2023, as Peotone made off with a 14-3 victory. Do the Blue Devils have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Hawks turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
