It may have taken nine innings to finish the job, but Ashton-Franklin Center ultimately got the result they hoped for on Thursday. They came out on top against the Amboy Clippers by a score of 8-4. While the Raiders didn't have the best season last year (they finished 10-13), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Chase Near was excellent, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 2-for-4. Another player making a difference was Caleb Thomas, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 2-for-4.
Near wasn't the only one making solid contact: Ashton-Franklin Center 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 eight hits in four consecutive matchups.
Raiders
| 04/10/25 @ Amboy | 8-4 |
| 04/05/25 @ Lena-Winslow | 10-7 |
| 04/03/25 @ Hiawatha | 14-3 |
Ashton-Franklin Center's win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 8-2. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.7 runs over those games. As for Amboy, their loss ended a four-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 6-4.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Ashton-Franklin Center will head out to challenge South Beloit at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. The Raiders' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Sobos have averaged an impressive 6.4 runs per game this season. As for Amboy, they will venture away from home to take on River Ridge/Scales Mound at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. The Wildcats will roll in looking for their sixth straight win, something the Clippers surely won't give up without a fight.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
