The Newark Norsemen are taking a road trip to face off against the Herscher Tigers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Herscher took a loss in their last contest and will be looking to turn the tables on Newark, who comes in off a win.
Newark barely beat Indian Creek the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Norsemen were the clear victors by a 12-5 margin over the Timberwolves on Monday. Considering the Norsemen have won six games by more than six runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Dottie Wood
| 04/14/25 @ Indian Creek | 2 |
| 04/09/25 @ LaSalle-Peru | 1 |
| 04/05/25 vs Fenton | 1 |
| 03/26/25 vs Aurora Christian | 1 |
Dottie Wood made a splash while hitting and pitching. She tossed four innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two doubles. Those two doubles gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Newark let Rylie Carlson and Sadie Pottinger run wild. 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 was Pottinger's first of the season. Another player making a difference was Adelaide Johnson, who went 1-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Herscher fell victim to Pontiac and their airtight pitching crew on Wednesday. They came up short against the Indians, falling 7-0. The matchup marked the first time this season in which the Tigers were not able to get on the board.
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.
Newark now has a winning record of 8-7-2. As for Herscher, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 9-5.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Newark has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .451. However, it's not like Herscher struggles in that department as they've averaged .486. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Newark skirted past Herscher 3-2 in their previous meeting back in May of 2023. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Norsemen since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
