Delavan is 1-7 against Deer Creek-Mackinaw since April of 2017 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Panthers will head out to challenge the Chiefs at 4:30 p.m. Delavan will be strutting in after a win while Deer Creek-Mackinaw will be coming in after a defeat.
Delavan had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the six-run drubbing they dealt Princeville on Monday. The Panthers blew past the Princes 12-6.
Lainey Klokkenga
| 05/12/25 @ Princeville | 1 |
| 05/06/25 @ Richwoods | 2 |
| 05/05/25 @ Spoon River Valley | 2 |
| 04/29/25 vs Havana | 2 |
| 04/28/25 @ ROWVA/Williamsfield | 1 |
| + 8 more games |
Lainey Klokkenga made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out 14 batters over seven innings while giving up four earned (and two unearned) runs off nine hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 13 consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-5 with two runs.
In other batting news, Delavan let Nola Houston and Addi Fisher run wild. Houston went 3-for-5 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI, while Fisher went 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs. That's the most hits Houston has posted since back in April. Kara Lowry was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one run.
Meanwhile, Deer Creek-Mackinaw came up short against Illinois Valley Central on Wednesday and fell 7-2.
Mackenzie Knowles spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and three unearned) runs on nine hits and racked up six Ks.
At the plate, Deer Creek-Mackinaw saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Lexi Cottingham, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one RBI.
Deer Creek-Mackinaw's loss ended a seven-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 14-11. As for Delavan, their record is now 12-14.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Delavan hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .313. However, it's not like Deer Creek-Mackinaw struggles in that department as they've averaged .335. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Delavan might still be hurting after the 16-7 defeat they got from Deer Creek-Mackinaw when the teams last played back in March of 2024. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
