The Beardstown Tigers will challenge the Mendon Unity Mustangs at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The timing isn't great for Beardstown: they have been struggling with four straight losses at home dating back to last season, while Mendon Unity has snatched up four consecutive wins on the road also dating back to last season.
Beardstown was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last matchup, but they sure didn't let that happen against Rushville-Industry on Monday. Beardstown blew past Rushville-Industry 15-1. The Tigers haven't had any issues with the Rockets recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.
Trey Riddell
| 03/31/25 @ Rushville-Industry | 1 |
| 03/26/25 @ Canton | 1 |
| 03/24/25 @ Camp Point Central | 0 |
Trey Riddell made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing five innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 1-for-3.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Ethan Heller, who scored three runs while going 2-for-4. Tannar Riddell was another key player, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3.
Beardstown was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .440. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Rushville-Industry only posted a batting average of .176.
Meanwhile, Mendon Unity never let their opponents score on Friday. They were the clear victors by a 12-0 margin over Augusta Southeastern. Considering the Mustangs have won three contests by more than 11 runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Like Beardstown, Mendon Unity also got a great game from a two-way player: Avery Frese. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out nine over four innings pitched. What's more, Frese gave up only one walk, the fewest he's had since back in April of 2024. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 1-for-3.
In other batting news, Brym Parrish was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI, one triple, and one run. Another player making a difference was Skylor Goudschaal, who scored two runs while going 1-for-2.
Mendon Unity's victory bumped their record up to 4-1. As for Beardstown, the win got them back to even at 2-2.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Beardstown has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Mendon Unity struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Beardstown suffered a grim 8-1 defeat to Mendon Unity in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Will Beardstown have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
