Berkshire is 1-7 against Independence since April of 2017 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Badgers are taking a road trip to challenge the Blue Devils at 5:00 p.m. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Berkshire is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. Everything went their way against Harvey on Tuesday as they made off with a 15-2 victory. The Badgers not only won on Tuesday, but they posted their biggest win since April 24, 2024 (when they won 15-0).
Sam Barcikoski made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out eight over six innings pitched. Barcikoski was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in April of 2024.
Jason Brent
| 04/29/25 @ Harvey | 2 |
| 04/23/25 @ Wickliffe | 1 |
| 04/16/25 @ Kirtland | 1 |
| 04/14/25 @ Kirtland | 1 |
| 04/29/24 @ Kirtland | 1 |
In other batting news, Jason Brent and Patrick Brancel did most of the damage at the plate: Brent went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one run, and one double, while Brancel got on base in three of his five plate appearances with three runs and two RBI. Those two hits gave Brent a new career-high. Aaron Southern also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Berkshire always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .561. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Independence posted their closest win since April 29, 2024 on Tuesday. They had just enough and edged out Lutheran West 2-1. The victory continues a trend for the Blue Devils in their matchups with the Longhorns: they've now won four in a row.
Sam Crooks spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on two hits and racked up 11 Ks. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two hits in five consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Independence saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Dom Narduzzi, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Berkshire's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-9. As for Independence, their record now sits at 10-2.
Berkshire couldn't quite get it done against Independence when the teams last played back in April of 2024 as they fell 6-3. Can the Badgers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
