Havana hadn't done well against Illini Bluffs recently (they were 0-3 in their previous three matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Thursday. The Ducks narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past the Tigers 7-5. For the Ducks, this counts as revenge for the 4-1 win the Tigers walked away with the last time they faced one another back in May of 2025.
Caleb McDaniel
| 05/07/26 @ Illini Bluffs | 6 |
| 05/01/26 @ Illini West | 2 |
| 04/28/26 vs Brimfield | 0 |
| 04/20/26 @ West Prairie | 4 |
| 04/14/26 vs Beardstown | 5 |
| + 2 more games |
Caleb McDaniel made a splash no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits (and only one walk). That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in March. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
McDaniel wasn't the only one making solid contact as six players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Bradyn Willing, who went 1-for-4 with one run and one RBI. Cayden Green also deserves some recognition as he got his first hit of the season.
The victory made it two in a row for Havana and bumps their season record up to 14-5-1. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 6 runs in those games. As for Illini Bluffs, they dropped their record down to 6-9 with the defeat, which was their sixth straight at home.
Looking ahead, Havana will venture away from home to challenge Cuba/Spoon River Valley at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. As for Illini Bluffs, they will host Peoria Christian at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
