The Calhoun Warriors will head out on the road to square off against the Staunton Bulldogs at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The two teams are strolling into their games after big wins in their previous games.
Calhoun had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the ten-run drubbing they dealt East Alton-Wood River on Monday. The Warriors blew past the Oilers 13-3. The victory was just business as usual for the Warriors, who after four games remain undefeated this season.
Jack Goode made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out 11 batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits (and only one walk). Goode was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with three RBI.
In other batting news, Cooper Klocke was a standout: he scored two runs and stole three bases while going 1-for-2. Max Toppmeyer also deserves some recognition as he scored his first runs of the season.
Calhoun was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .387. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .314 or higher every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Staunton). Everything went their way against Auburn on Tuesday as they made off with a 14-2 win. The victory continues a trend for the Bulldogs in their matchups with the Trojans: they've now won five in a row.
Like Calhoun, Staunton also got a great game from a two-way player: Drake Billings. He tossed five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off four hits. Billings has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
In other batting news, Staunton got a massive performance out of Carter Legendre, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Those four RBI gave Legendre a new career-high. Logan Tuetken was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one home run and four RBI.
Calhoun's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 4-0. As for Staunton, their record is now 5-3-1.
Calhoun's speedy runners might be the difference in Wednesday's contest. The Warriors have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 6.5 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Staunton, though, as they've been averaging only 1.2 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Calhoun continue to outrun the ball?
Calhoun took their victory against Staunton when the teams last played back in March of 2024 by a conclusive 10-0 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Warriors since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
