Pekin hasn't had much luck against Normal University recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Dragons will face off against the Pioneers at 4:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Pekin came up short against Rock Island and fell 10-6.
Pekin saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Matt Stropes, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base and one run. Brock Stout also deserves some recognition as he scored his first run of the season.
Meanwhile, Normal University had just enough and edged out Washington 3-1 on Saturday. That's two games straight that the Pioneers have won by exactly two runs.
Cade Cunningham tossed a big game, tossing six innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive appearances.
Normal University's win was their eighth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 7-1. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they've averaged 8.0 runs this season. As for Pekin, their loss dropped their record down to 3-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Pekin has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Normal University struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Pekin might still be hurting after the 12-1 defeat they got from Normal University in their previous meeting back in May of 2025. Can the Dragons avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
