Armstrong is 0-6 against Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin since April of 2022 but things could change on Monday. The Trojans will face off against the Blue Devils at 4:30 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Armstrong had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 14-run drubbing they dealt Schlarman on Friday. The Trojans put the hurt on the Hilltoppers with a sharp 15-1 victory. The Trojans have beaten the Hilltoppers the last five times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Hilltoppers has come to flipping the script.
Ryan Edwards
| 04/11/25 vs Schlarman | 9 |
| 03/27/25 @ Villa Grove | 6 |
| 03/22/25 vs Oblong/Hutsonville/Palestine | 10 |
Ryan Edwards made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances.
In other batting news, Bowen Hesterberg was incredible, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and four RBI. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Traxton Roberts, who scored two runs and stole two bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Armstrong was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .455. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin never let their opponents score on Friday. They were the clear victors by a 16-0 margin over Cissna Park. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Blue Devils considering their one-run performance the matchup before.
Like Armstrong, Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin also got a great game from a two-way player: ANDERSON THOMAS. On the mound, he struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits (and not a single walk). THOMAS was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with one stolen base and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on CADEN KELEMINIC, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with three stolen bases, four runs, and four RBI. CHAZ DUBOIS was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3.
Armstrong pushed their record up to 7-2 with the win, which was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.0 run on average over those games. As for Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four games. That's provided a nice bump to their 6-5 record this season.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Armstrong has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .475. However, it's not like Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin struggles in that department as they've averaged .441. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Armstrong suffered a grim 17-2 defeat to Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Trojans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
