The New Castle Trojans will face off against the Shenandoah Raiders at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
If New Castle beats Shenandoah with 11 runs on Wednesday, it's going to be the squad's new lucky number: they've won their past two matchups with that exact score. Everything went the Trojans' way against Rushville on Tuesday as they made off with an 11-5 victory. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Trojans.
Emily Wells and Sydney Dobbs were a major factor while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Wells tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Meanwhile, Dobbs pitched five innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off three hits. At the plate, Wells scored three runs and stole three bases while getting on base in two of her four plate appearances, while Dobbs went a perfect 4-for-4 with six RBI, two stolen bases, and two runs. What's more, Dobbs posted two doubles, the most she's had since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Kattie Mathews was incredible, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Baylie Chesher, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-3.
Meanwhile, Shenandoah had to travel to play their first game of the season, but the final result was worth the trip. They came out on top against Pendleton Heights by a score of 4-1 on Tuesday. The game was the first time the Raiders have beaten the Arabians on their field since April 7, 2015.
Olivia Watson spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on three hits and racked up ten Ks.
On the hitting side, Shenandoah's win was truly a team effort as four different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Lydia Schwagmeier, who scored a run while going 1-for-3.
New Castle couldn't quite get it done against Shenandoah when the teams last played back in April of 2023 as they fell 8-3. Can the Trojans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
