For the first time this season, Northwestern will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will square off against the Whitko Wildcats at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Northwestern is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8 runs per game this season.
Northwestern barely beat Sheridan the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Tigers put the hurt on the Blackhawks with a sharp 21-5 victory on Monday. The high-scoring effort was just what the Tigers needed considering they were shut out in their previous matchup.
Teegan Helmle
| 04/21/25 @ Sheridan | 4 |
| 04/17/25 @ Oak Hill | 2 |
| 04/09/25 vs Tipton | 2 |
| 04/02/25 vs Twin Lakes | 2 |
| 04/15/25 vs Tri-Central | 1 |
The team relied heavily on Teegan Helmle, who got on base in all five of his plate appearances with two triples, four RBI, and two runs. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Chase DeWitt, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with five RBI and two runs.
Northwestern always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .659. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, on Monday Whitko's undefeated season almost came to an end. They never let West Noble get on the board and left with a 2-0 win. Those two runs were actually the fewest the Wildcats have put up all season, but given the result they're probably not too concerned.
Riley Harman made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out 12 over seven innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up a single earned run in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and one run.
Harman wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Easton Grable, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base and one run.
Northwestern has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six games. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-2 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.3 runs over those games. As for Whitko, they pushed their record up to 6-0 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home dating back to last season.
Both Northwestern and Whitko just can't seem to miss. The Tigers have been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 8.7 hits per game. However, it's not like Whitko struggles in that department as they've been averaging only 4.7 hits. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
