Howard County: Apr. 18 Baseball Predictions
April has delivered a month of intense, competitive baseball—and that momentum isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Indiana University Kokomo and several area high school teams will take the field Friday night, ready to thrill fans with high-energy matchups. As these talented athletes gear up to chase another win, they’ll be counting on your support from the stands.
Let’s break down this week’s games and predict who comes out on top.
Indiana University Kokomo 18-23 vs Rio Grande University 15-25
IU Kokomo snapped a three-game losing streak in a big way Wednesday, defeating Indiana Tech behind 12 hits and 10 runs.
The offensive outburst comes at an ideal time for the Cougars, who are preparing for their final River States Conference series of the regular season.
Rio Grande enters the matchup on a four-game skid. During the losing streak, the RedStorm have scored more than four runs only once. That trend doesn't bode well for Rio Grande, as IU Kokomo has won three of its last four conference series.
The Cougars have performed well against conference opponents this season and are expected to secure a crucial win Friday afternoon.
Winner: IU Kokomo
Frankfort 4-1 vs Kokomo 1-4
It’s been a tough start to the season for the Kokomo Wildkats. Two of their four losses have come by shutout, and consistent production at the plate has been hard to come by. That kind of start can be a blow to team morale, but a home game against Frankfort offers a chance to reset.
Frankfort, meanwhile, is off to a fast start. The Hot Dogs enter Friday night’s matchup on a four-game winning streak and have scored 10 or more runs in three of their five games.
One of Frankfort’s biggest strengths has been its pitching. The staff has been reliable all season, and that consistency gives the Hot Dogs a clear edge heading into their trip to downtown Kokomo. If trends hold, Frankfort is well-positioned to extend its winning streak.
Winner: Frankfort
Carroll (Flora) 1-6 vs Western 7-1
Western and Carroll appear to be heading in opposite directions as they prepare for their upcoming matchup.
Carroll’s lone win this season came at home, while Western enters the matchup on a three-game winning streak. The Panthers boast a balanced roster with standout talent across the field. With home-field advantage and a clear drive to make a statement, Western is expected to stay hot and continue its winning ways.
Winner: Western
Jay’s Stats
Last week: 2-1
All-time: 4-1 (80%)
