The Tolono Unity Rockets will challenge the Auburn Trojans at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Tolono Unity is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Saturday. Everything went their way against Normal University as they made off with a 16-1 win. The victory was familiar territory for the Rockets, who have now won 14 matchups in a row.
Lindy Bates spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on five hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 11 consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Sophia Beckett, who fired off two home runs, three runs, and four RBI while going 3-for-5. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in May. The team also got some help courtesy of Shelby Smith, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Tolono Unity kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 18 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, after only one run in their last game, Auburn made sure to put some runs up on the board against Williamsville on Friday. The Trojans blew past the Bullets 10-3. The win continues a trend for the Trojans in their matchups with the Bullets: they've now won five in a row.
Auburn also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Meena Taylor gave up just two earned (and one unearned) runs on six hits and racked up 12 Ks.
On the hitting side, Addison Wheatley was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Addison Jones also deserves some recognition as she launched her first home run of the season.
Tolono Unity's record is now 33-4. As for Auburn, their record now sits at 23-5.