The Tri-County Cavaliers will take on the West Lafayette Red Devils at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Tri-County 2.6, West Lafayette 3.2) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Tri-County lost a heartbreaker the last time they played North Newton, but it's fair to say they got their revenge given the result of Tuesday's matchup. The Cavaliers blew past the Spartans 11-1 on Tuesday. Considering the Cavaliers have won 14 contests by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Madilyn Nevitt was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out 14 over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.
Reese Johnson
| 05/12/26 vs North Newton | 3 |
| 05/07/26 @ DeMotte Christian | 1 |
| 05/06/26 vs Frontier | 2 |
| 05/04/26 @ Carroll | 1 |
| 05/02/26 vs Knox | 2 |
| + 6 more games |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Reese Johnson, who went 3-for-4 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was Grace Tyler, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs and one RBI.
Tri-County kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in 14 consecutive games.
Benton Central typically has all the answers at home, but on Monday West Lafayette proved too difficult a challenge. They came out on top against the Bison by a score of 7-3. The win continues a trend for the Red Devils in their matchups with the Bison: they've now won eight in a row.
Like Tri-County, West Lafayette also got a great game from a two-way player: Molly Mansfield. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits (and only one walk). Mansfield was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one double.
In other batting news, Paola Eifler was incredible, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. That triple marked the first that she has hit this season. Eleanor Hurt was another key player, going 1-for-2 with one stolen base and two RBI.
West Lafayette's victory bumped their record up to 12-3. As for Tri-County, their win bumped their record up to 15-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Tri-County has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 11.4 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like West Lafayette struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Tri-County beat West Lafayette 5-1 when the teams last played back in May of 2025. Will the Cavaliers repeat their success, or do the Red Devils have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
