Mankato East has won 12 straight games at home (dating back to last season), while Austin has won 12 straight on the road, but those streaks won't matter much on Tuesday. The Cougars will host the Packers at 5:00 p.m. After the two teams made easy work of their previous opponents, one won't be so lucky on Tuesday.
Mankato East's pitching crew heads into the match hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Thursday. They put the hurt on John Marshall with a sharp 11-0 victory. Considering the Cougars have won eight games by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Kylinn Stangl
| 05/08/25 @ John Marshall | 8 |
| 05/06/25 vs Mayo | 6 |
| 05/01/25 @ Owatonna | 7 |
| 04/29/25 @ Mankato West | 7 |
| 04/26/25 @ Cretin-Derham Hall | 9 |
| 04/22/25 @ Winona | 14 |
Kylinn Stangl made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out eight over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in six consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one home run and two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Kenley Staunton, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in May of 2024. Maddeline Beaty was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base.
Mankato East lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Austin hadn't done well against Faribault recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Thursday. The Packers were the clear victors by a 10-4 margin over the Falcons. The Packers not only won on Thursday, but they posted their biggest win since March 31st (when they won 11-1).
Like Mankato East, Austin also got a great game from a two-way player: Kaydence Schaefer. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits. Schaefer was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one triple and one RBI. That triple marked the first that she has hit this season.
In other batting news, Alexis Brede was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one double. That double was her first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Jenna Hetzel, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.
Austin's win bumped their record up to 10-8. As for Mankato East, their victory bumped their record up to 11-1.
Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Mankato East hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .325. However, it's not like Austin struggles in that department as they've averaged .327. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Mankato East took their win against Austin in their previous meeting back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 10-0 score. Do the Cougars have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Packers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
