The River Forest Ingots are taking a road trip to face off against the Wheeler Bearcats at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. River Forest is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.6 runs per game this season.
On Monday, River Forest earned a 9-4 victory over Lake Station Edison. That's two games straight that the Ingots have won by exactly five runs.
The team relied heavily on Walter Jaime, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with four runs and two stolen bases. That's the most runs he has posted since back in May of 2025. The team also got some help courtesy of Landon Harper, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
Meanwhile, Wheeler entered their tilt with Westville on Saturday with seven consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with eight. They blew past the Blackhawks 12-2. 12 seems to be a good number for the Bearcats as the squad scooped up a win with the same number of runs in their previous game.
Braden Olson made a splash while hitting and pitching. He struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (and only one walk). He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two hits in six consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
In other batting news, Wheeler got a massive performance out of Nick Micciche, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases, three RBI, and one run. Micciche is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games he's played. Another player making a difference was Tyler Hughes, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases and three runs.
Wheeler always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .656. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
River Forest's record is now 11-5. As for Wheeler, their record now sits at 11-6.
Tuesday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. River Forest has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .502. However, it's not like Wheeler struggles in that department as they've averaged .473. 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.
