Tippecanoe Valley and Rochester are an even 5-5 against one another since May of 2016, but likely not for long. The Vikings will head out on the road to challenge the Zebras at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Tippecanoe Valley will be looking to extend their current three-game winning streak.
On Thursday, Tippecanoe Valley beat Bremen 4-1.
Dalynne Bussard
| 05/08/25 vs Bremen | 12 |
| 05/06/25 @ Knox | 8 |
| 05/01/25 @ Jimtown | 8 |
| 04/30/25 vs Homestead | 12 |
Dalynne Bussard was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out 12 over seven innings pitched. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than eight strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Bussard wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Naomi Gaerte, who went 1-for-3 with one run.
Meanwhile, Rochester got the win against Wabash on Thursday by a conclusive 8-2. The result was nothing new for the Zebras, who have now won seven contests by six runs or more so far this season.
Like Tippecanoe Valley, Rochester also got a great game from a two-way player: Bria Rensberger. She struck out 15 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits. Rensberger was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and one double.
In other batting news, Aubrey Wilson was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs and one stolen base. That's the most hits she has posted over her last 11 matchups. Another player making a difference was Brailyn Hunter, who went 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI.
Rochester has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won nine of their last ten games. That's provided a nice bump to their 13-4 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.4 runs on average over those games. As for Tippecanoe Valley, their record now sits at 9-6.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Tippecanoe Valley has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Rochester struggles in that department as they've been averaging 11.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Tippecanoe Valley couldn't quite finish off Rochester in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 and fell 6-4. Can the Vikings avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
