Villa Grove and Argenta-Oreana are an even 3-3 against one another since March of 2018, but likely not for long. The Blue Devils will welcome the Bombers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Villa Grove is coming into the game hot, having won their last seven games.
For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Villa Grove and Arcola meet (three straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Monday. The Blue Devils blew past the Purple Riders 10-2. The result was nothing new for the Blue Devils, who have now won 11 contests by six runs or more so far this season.
Piper Kiser
| 05/04/26 @ Arcola | 7 |
| 04/06/26 vs Blue Ridge | 3 |
| 04/21/25 vs Okaw Valley | 3 |
| 04/17/25 vs Cerro Gordo/Bement | 3 |
| 04/30/26 vs Fisher | 2 |
Piper Kiser made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off seven hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, seven RBI, and three runs. Those seven RBI gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Isabella Dodd was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run and three RBI. Areigha Hauversburk was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two runs and one double.
Villa Grove kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 11 hits in six consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Argenta-Oreana, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Monday. They walked away with a 6-3 win over Clinton on Wednesday. The victory continues a trend for the Bombers in their matchups with the Maroons: they've now won five in a row.
The team relied heavily on Addison Maiden, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs.
Argenta-Oreana's win bumped their record up to 13-10. As for Villa Grove, their victory bumped their record up to 16-11.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Villa Grove hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .351. However, it's not like Argenta-Oreana struggles in that department as they've averaged .315. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Villa Grove might still be hurting after the 16-3 loss they got from Argenta-Oreana in their previous meeting back in May of 2025. Will the Blue Devils have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
