Independence is 7-1 against Berkshire since April of 2017 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Blue Devils will host the Badgers at 5:00 p.m. Independence is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 13 runs per game this season.
Independence is headed into the match having just posted their closest victory since April 29, 2024 on Tuesday. They had just enough and edged out Lutheran West 2-1. The Blue Devils haven't had any issues with the Longhorns recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.

Sam Crooks
04/29/25 @ Lutheran West | 2 |
04/22/25 vs Cuyahoga Heights | 1 |
04/14/25 @ Trinity | 1 |
04/09/25 vs Brooklyn | 1 |
04/03/25 vs Crestwood | 1 |
Sam Crooks spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on two hits and racked up 11 Ks. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two hits in five consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Independence's victory was truly a team effort as three different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Dom Narduzzi, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Berkshire). They put the hurt on Harvey with a sharp 15-2 win on Tuesday. The Badgers not only won on Tuesday, but they posted their biggest win since April 24, 2024 (when they won 15-0).
Sam Barcikoski made a big impact no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out eight over six innings pitched. Barcikoski was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, Jason Brent and Patrick Brancel did most of the damage at the plate: Brent went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one run, and one double, while Brancel got on base in three of his five plate appearances with three runs and two RBI. That's the most runs Brancel has posted since back in April of 2024. Oliver Miller was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.
Berkshire always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .561. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Independence's victory bumped their record up to 10-2. As for Berkshire, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-9.
Berkshire's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Independence has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .529. It's a different story for Berkshire, though, as they've only averaged .361. Will they be able to contain Independence's hitters?
Independence was able to grind out a solid victory over Berkshire in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, winning 6-3. Do the Blue Devils have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Badgers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.