The Herscher Tigers will square off against the Newark Norsemen at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Herscher is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.1 runs per game this season.
Wednesday just wasn't the day for Herscher's offense. They came up short against Pontiac on Wednesday, falling 7-0. The Tigers just can't catch a break and have now endured three defeats in a row.

Anistin Hackley
| 04/16/25 vs Pontiac | 1 |
| 04/15/25 @ Wilmington | 1 |
| 04/14/25 vs Wilmington | 0 |
| 04/10/25 vs Iroquois West | 1 |
Anistin Hackley spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and two unearned) runs on nine hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one walk in four consecutive appearances.
Meanwhile, Newark got the win against Indian Creek on Monday by a conclusive 12-5. The Norsemen might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won six games by seven runs or more this season.
Dottie Wood was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing four innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits. Wood was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two doubles. Those two doubles gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Rylie Carlson and Sadie Pottinger did most of the damage at the plate: Carlson went 1-for-3 with four RBI, one triple, and one run, while Pottinger went 1-for-2 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. That home run marked the first that Pottinger launched this season. Another player making a difference was Adelaide Johnson, who went 1-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI.
Newark has been performing well recently as they've won six of their last eight contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 8-7-2 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.5 runs over those games. As for Herscher, their loss dropped their record down to 9-5.
Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Herscher has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .486. However, it's not like Newark struggles in that department as they've averaged .451. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.