Eureka hasn't had much luck against Normal University recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Hornets will head out to face off against the Pioneers at 6:00 p.m. Eureka is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.6 runs per game this season.
Eureka was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last game, but they sure didn't let that happen against Pontiac on Wednesday. The Hornets blew past the Indians 10-0. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Hornets considering their two-run performance the contest before.
Teagan McLaughlin made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he pitched 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Eureka is undefeated when McLaughlin allows two or fewer hits, but 9-15 otherwise. McLaughlin was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Brody Wertz
| 05/13/26 vs Pontiac | 5 |
| 05/09/26 vs Morton | 1 |
| 05/05/26 vs Prairie Central | 4 |
| 04/24/26 vs Heyworth | 3 |
| 04/16/26 @ Lexington | 8 |
In other pitching news, Brody Wertz looked comfortable as he tossed 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. What's more, he posted five strikeouts, the most he's had since back in April.
Back at the plate, Adam Blunier was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, three doubles, and three RBI. He also scored two runs, which is notable because Eureka is 6-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 7-14 otherwise. John Martin also deserves some recognition as he hit his first triple of the season.
Eureka was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. They are 4-1 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Normal University faced Sacred Heart-Griffin in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Thursday. The Pioneers lost 16-10 to the Cyclones. The pitching woes were uncharacteristic for the Pioneers, who until this matchup were averaging 2.45 runs allowed.
Rhett Lynch led a balanced group of hitters, going 2-for-4 with four RBI and two doubles. Another player making a difference was Parker Roop, who got on base in all five of his plate appearances with three runs.
Normal University's defeat dropped their record down to 24-5. As for Eureka, they moved to 13-15 with that victory, which also ended their three-game losing streak.
Eureka came up short against Normal University in their previous meeting back in June of 2021, falling 5-0. Can the Hornets avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
