Zion-Benton is 0-4 against Niles North since April of 2019 but things could change on Saturday. The Zee-Bees will welcome the Vikings at 11:00 a.m. Zion-Benton will be strutting in after a win while Niles North will be coming in after a defeat.
Zion-Benton will roll into the match after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up one run on Wednesday, then bounced right back against Waukegan on Friday. The Zee-Bees were the clear victors by a 10-1 margin over the Bulldogs. Considering the Zee-Bees' hitters had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.
Andrew Neargarder
| 04/25/25 @ Waukegan | 14 |
| 03/26/25 vs Elgin | 8 |
| 04/08/25 vs Mundelein | 5 |
| 03/12/24 @ Grayslake North | 5 |
| 03/21/25 @ Wheeling | 4 |
Andrew Neargarder made a big impact no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 14 over six innings pitched. Those 14 strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
In other pitching news, Sam Villarreal looked comfortable as he tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, Andrew Mitchell was incredible, going 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, two RBI, and one run. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Carl Harmon III, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with three RBI.
Zion-Benton always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .545. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Niles North was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They came up short against Niles West, falling 11-1.
Niles North's defeat dropped their record down to 8-10-1. As for Zion-Benton, the victory snapped their losing streak at three games and leaves them with a 4-14 record.
Zion-Benton couldn't quite get it done against Niles North when the teams last played back in March of 2024 as they fell 3-0. Will the Zee-Bees have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
