The Eastbrook Panthers will challenge the Cowan Blackhawks at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Eastbrook is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.9 runs per game this season.
Eastbrook took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Thursday. They put the hurt on Elwood with a sharp 11-1 victory. The result was nothing new for Eastbrook, who have now won eight matches by nine runs or more so far this season.
Austin Mikel was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He struck out six batters over six innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits (and only one walk). He is becoming a predictor of Eastbrook's success: when he allows at most one earned run the team is undefeated (and 6-7 when he doesn't). Mikel was also big at the plate, going 1-for-4 with three stolen bases and two runs. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April.
Blake Jacobs
| 05/08/25 vs Elwood | 5 |
| 04/21/25 @ Delta | 3 |
| 04/26/25 vs Wabash | 2 |
| 05/06/25 @ Frankton | 1 |
| 04/29/25 vs Blackford | 1 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Blake Jacobs, who went 2-for-3 with five stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. Those five stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Jacob McDermit was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double.
Eastbrook always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .514. They are a perfect 9-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Cowan suffered their closest defeat since May 16, 2024 on Thursday. They fell just short of Muncie Central by a score of 7-5.
Jaydon Auker was cooking despite his team's loss, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with four stolen bases and four runs. Another player making a difference was Gentry Groves, who went 3-for-4 with four RBI and one double.
Eastbrook pushed their record up to 11-7 with the win, which was their sixth straight at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.5 runs over those games. As for Cowan, their loss dropped their record down to 8-6.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Saturday as neither team is afraid to steal. Eastbrook has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.6 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Cowan struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
