Frankfort and DuQuoin are an even 5-5 against one another since March of 2017, but likely not for long. The Redbirds will head out on the road to challenge the Indians at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. DuQuoin took a loss in their last matchup and will be looking to turn the tables on Frankfort, who comes in off a win.
Frankfort gave up the first runs last Tuesday, but they didn't let that get them down. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with an 8-6 victory over Nashville. While the Redbirds didn't have the best season last year (they finished 13-18), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Annabelle Hopkins
| 03/28/25 vs Century | 2 |
| 04/07/25 vs Pinckneyville | 3 |
| 03/27/25 vs Trico | 7 |
| 04/08/25 @ Nashville | 9 |
Annabelle Hopkins spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered five earned (and one unearned) runs on 12 hits and racked up nine Ks. Those nine strikeouts set a new season-high mark for her.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Lainee Dunston, who went 1-for-4 with one home run and four RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024. Reese James also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
Meanwhile, DuQuoin was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their tenth straight loss dating back to last season. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 9-8 heartbreaker at the hands of Johnston City. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since April 4, 2018, but that streak is no more.
DuQuoin got a big performance out of Isabele Jones, who scored a run while going 1-for-3. The team also got some help courtesy of Lily Williams, who scored a run while going 2-for-3.
Frankfort's win was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 9-2. Those road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 4.0 runs on average over those games. As for DuQuoin, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-9.
Frankfort might still be hurting after the 15-9 loss they got from DuQuoin in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can the Redbirds avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
