Baseball Game Preview: Elkhart Lions vs. South Bend Riley Wildcats

Lions

Runs

04/12/25 @ South Bend Washington	13
04/11/25 vs South Bend Washington	16
04/03/25 @ Goshen	7
04/01/25 vs Westview	1

The Elkhart Lions are taking a road trip to challenge the South Bend Riley Wildcats at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Elkhart is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.2 runs per game this season.

It was a proper cat-fight when Elkhart took on South Bend Washington on Saturday. The Lions put the hurt on the Panthers with a sharp 13-0 victory. The win was familiar territory for the Lions, who have now won three contests in a row.

Brennon Whickcar made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Whickcar was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 2-for-2. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2024.

In other batting news, Max Shreiner was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-2. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April of 2024. Cooper Schoetzow also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.

Elkhart was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .381. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .321 or higher in three consecutive matchups.

Meanwhile, Saturday just wasn't the day for South Bend Riley's offense. They came up short against Bremen on Saturday, falling 24-0. The loss continues a trend for the Wildcats in their meetings with the Lions: they've now lost five in a row.

Elkhart's record now sits at 3-1. As for South Bend Riley, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-3.

South Bend Riley's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Elkhart has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .481. It's a different story for South Bend Riley, though, as they've only averaged .303. Will they be able to contain Elkhart's hitters?

Everything went Elkhart's way against South Bend Riley in their previous matchup back in May of 2024, as Elkhart made off with a 13-0 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Lions since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.