The Aurora Christian Eagles will head out to square off against the Bishop McNamara Fightin' Irish at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Aurora Christian is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.1 runs per game this season.
Things were looking good for Aurora Christian after they put the first run on the board on Tuesday, but unfortunately for them things went downhill from there. They fell just short of St. Edward by a score of 5-4.
Nolan Robertson spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered five runs (all of which were unearned) on eight hits and racked up seven Ks.
Jack Burns
| 04/09/25 vs Chicago Hope Academy | 3 |
| 04/29/25 vs St. Edward | 2 |
| 04/23/25 @ Westminster Christian | 2 |
| 04/21/25 @ Marian Central Catholic | 2 |
| 03/29/25 vs Pearl City | 2 |
| + 8 more games |
At the plate, Jack Burns made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-4 with two runs, two doubles, and one RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Aurora Christian's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 5-1 (and 7-8 when he doesn't).
Meanwhile, Bishop McNamara made easy work of Timothy Christian on Tuesday and carried off an 8-1 win. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Fightin' Irish.
Jacob Lotz was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out six over six innings pitched. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in seven consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two runs.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Callahan O'Connor, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Braylon Ricketts, who went 1-for-2 with one run and one RBI.
Bishop McNamara's record now sits at 13-6. As for Aurora Christian, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 12-9 record this season.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Aurora Christian has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Bishop McNamara struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Aurora Christian couldn't quite get it done against Bishop McNamara in their previous meeting back in May of 2024 as they fell 9-4. Can the Eagles avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
