Taylorville extended their losing streak to eight on Thursday, dropping their season record down to 2-17 in the process. They might be feeling deja-vu: they lost 20-0 to the Effingham Hearts, which was the same score (and result) they got the week prior. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Hearts this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 20-0 on Thursday.
As for Effingham, the victory (which was their fifth in a row) raised their record to 14-6. The result was nothing new for the Hearts, who have now won seven contests by seven runs or more so far this season.
For Effingham's part, the result came thanks to Natalie Armstrong's shutout, as she gave up just five hits. Armstrong has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 14 consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Saige Althoff and Sidney Donaldson did most of the damage at the plate: Althoff went a perfect 5-for-5 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs, while Donaldson went 4-for-6 with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base. That's the most hits Donaldson has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Maci Hayes, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
Coming up, Taylorville will face off against New Berlin at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. As for Effingham, they will venture away from home to take on Flora at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
