Springfield extended their losing streak to four on Saturday, dropping them down to 10-6-1. They were two runs away from ending the streak, but they lost a 9-7 heartbreaker at the hands of the Hammond Tornadoes. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Tornadoes this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 6-2 on Friday.
Cole Matherne
| 03/14/26 vs Hammond | 2 |
| 03/13/26 @ Hammond | 1 |
| 02/27/26 vs Independence | 0 |
| 02/21/26 @ French Settlement | 2 |
Cole Matherne was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: he pitched 5.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Brock Cothern made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 5-for-7 with one stolen base and one RBI. Logan Ballard was another key player, getting on base in three of his seven plate appearances with two RBI, one run, and one double.
As for Hammond, their win ended an 11-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 6-13. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory they have posted since February 21st.
On Hammond's side, Easton Herbst made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he pitched four innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. Herbst was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his seven plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Josh Triolo was a standout: he got on base in four of his eight plate appearances with three stolen bases, four runs, and one double. Those three stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Cullen Milliken, who got on base in four of his seven plate appearances with two stolen bases and one run.
Coincidentally, Springfield and Hammond will both be playing Doyle the next time they take the field. The Tornadoes will head out to face the Tigers at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, while the Bulldogs will head out to face them at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
