Baseball Recap: Ashton-Franklin Center Snags Fifth Win in Last Six Games

Raiders

Margin (Wins)

03/24/25 @ West Carroll	17
03/18/25 @ Earlville	12
05/02/25 @ Polo	11
04/03/25 @ Hiawatha	11
03/26/25 vs Alden-Hebron	11

Ashton-Franklin Center had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 11-run drubbing they dealt Polo on Friday. The Raiders never let the Marcos get on the board and left with an 11-0 victory. The Raiders might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight matchups by eight runs or more this season.

Caleb Thomas was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out eight over six innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in April. He was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run. He has been hot, having posted at least one stolen base the last five times he's played.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Chase Near, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two runs and one RBI. Brock Lehman was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and two runs.

Ashton-Franklin Center hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their strikeout total in four consecutive contests.

Ashton-Franklin Center has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six games. That's provided a nice bump to their 14-8 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.5 runs over those games. As for Polo, they have been struggling recently as they've lost five of their last six matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-12 record this season.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Ashton-Franklin Center will venture away from home to square off against Morrison at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Polo, they will head out to take on Oregon at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday.