The Whiting Oilers will take on the Westville Blackhawks at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Whiting has given up an average of 9.9 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Having struggled with five defeats in a row, Whiting turned things around against Victory Christian Academy on Saturday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 12-11 victory over the Lions.
Lilianna Bell made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing seven innings while giving up five earned (and six unearned) runs off six hits. Bell was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two runs.
Arianna Vianello
| 05/17/25 vs Victory Christian Academy | 3 |
| 05/15/25 vs Hammond Morton | 1 |
| 05/06/25 @ Illiana Christian | 1 |
| 04/29/25 vs Hammond Bishop Noll | 1 |
| 04/28/25 @ Hammond Bishop Noll | 2 |
| + 2 more games |
In other batting news, Arianna Vianello was excellent, going 3-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was Lily Morando, who went 1-for-3 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
Wheeler typically has all the answers at home, but on Thursday Westville proved too difficult a challenge. They put the hurt on the Bearcats with a sharp 9-2 win. The Blackhawks might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven games by seven runs or more this season.
Like Whiting, Westville also got a great game from a two-way player: Kierstin Vargas. She struck out 11 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off six hits (and not a single walk). Vargas has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 15 consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, Miranda Sparks and Maddison Cole did most of the damage at the plate: Sparks went 4-for-5 with three runs and two doubles, while Cole went 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI. That home run marked the first that Cole has launched this season. Kiersten Vaughan was another key player, going 3-for-5 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
Westville was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .412. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .412 or higher in three consecutive matchups.
Whiting's victory bumped their record up to 7-9. As for Westville, their win ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 14-5.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Whiting has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .445. However, it's not like Westville struggles in that department as they've averaged .454. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Whiting might still be hurting after the 13-3 loss they got from Westville in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Will the Oilers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
