The Mercer County Golden Eagles will challenge the Illini West Chargers at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Mercer County is coming into the matchup hot, having won their last three games.
If Mercer County beats Illini West with eight runs on Thursday, it's going to be the team's new lucky number: they've won their past two contests with that exact score. Mercer County was the clear victor by an 8-2 margin over Bureau Valley on Tuesday.
Elsie Cook was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out eight batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off eight hits. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April of 2024. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two doubles.
Maddy Campbell-Baker
| 03/25/25 @ Bureau Valley | 3 |
| 03/18/25 vs Abingdon/Avon | 2 |
| 05/04/24 @ Galva | 2 |
| 04/29/24 @ Monmouth United | 2 |
| 03/16/24 vs Midland | 2 |
In other batting news, Maddy Campbell-Baker and Natalie Thomson did most of the damage at the plate: Campbell-Baker scored three runs while going 2-for-4, while Thomson scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4. Those three runs gave Campbell-Baker a new career-high. Jayden Weeks was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two RBI.
Mercer County was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .424. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .371 or higher every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Illini West was not the first on the board on Tuesday, but they got there more often. They narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past Beardstown 4-3. The victory continues a trend for the Chargers in their matchups with the Tigers: they've now won three in a row.
Hattie Wood spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on five hits.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Raina Flynn, who went 2-for-4 with one triple, two RBI, and one double. Those hits marked the first that she got this season.
The win got Illini West back to even at 2-2. As for Mercer County, their victory bumped their record up to 3-0.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Mercer County hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .457. However, it's not like Illini West struggles in that department as they've averaged .322. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Mercer County suffered a grim 7-1 defeat to Illini West in their previous meeting back in March of 2018. Will Mercer County have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
