High school baseball fans are in for an exciting matchup this Friday as the Sheridan Yellowjackets are set to take on the El Dorado Wildcats at 5:00 p.m. This game promises drama, talent, and a little bit of payback. With both teams coming off impressive victories, momentum is high, and the stakes are even higher.
The Yellowjackets enter this matchup looking to continue their recent surge. With an average of 6.3 runs per game this season, Sheridan’s offense has been firing on all cylinders. They proved their consistency in a gritty 5-3 win over Lebanon in their last outing. That victory wasn’t just another tick in the win column—it was a testament to the balance of power and precision Sheridan brings to the diamond.
At the heart of that performance was Cooper Pumphrey, who turned in a dominant effort on the mound. The right-hander struck out 10 batters in a show of command and control, keeping Lebanon’s hitters off balance all game long. But Pumphrey wasn’t the only one making waves. Luke Baer showcased his discipline and consistency at the plate, reaching base in all three of his appearances. The Yellowjackets are hoping these two can continue their strong play against a formidable El Dorado squad.
On the other side of the diamond, the El Dorado Wildcats are also riding high after a statement 13-5 win over the Mavericks. That victory marked their fifth straight home win, a streak that underscores how dangerous they are when playing in front of their fans. But even on neutral ground, El Dorado is not a team to take lightly.
One of the key players to watch for the Wildcats is Blaine Van Hilsen. In the win over the Mavericks, Van Hilsen played a crucial two-way role. He pitched four solid innings, allowing just two earned runs, and then added fuel to the offensive fire with four RBIs, including a booming triple that got the dugout roaring. His presence on both sides of the game makes him a major X-factor in Friday’s clash.
But Van Hilsen isn’t alone in making noise for El Dorado. Jaxon Pickard and Luke Cornelison were both catalysts at the top of the lineup, consistently getting on base and putting pressure on opposing defenses with their aggressive base running. Both players showcased speed and intelligence, stealing bases and turning singles into scoring opportunities. If they can replicate that kind of production against Sheridan, the Yellowjackets will need to be flawless defensively.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue is the recent history between these two teams. The Wildcats took down the Yellowjackets 8-1 in their previous meeting back in March 2024, a game where El Dorado controlled the pace and limited Sheridan’s offensive rhythm. That result is still fresh in the minds of Sheridan players, and it’s safe to say they’ll be stepping onto the field with a bit of a chip on their shoulder.
While El Dorado may have had the upper hand last time, both teams have grown since that game. Sheridan has become more dynamic offensively and more dependable on the mound. Pumphrey’s emergence as a strikeout threat gives the Yellowjackets an edge they didn’t fully possess earlier in the season. And with hitters like Baer reaching base and setting the table for run production, Sheridan has the tools to flip the script.
From El Dorado’s perspective, the mission is simple: stick to what works. They’ve found success through a combination of steady pitching, aggressive offense, and a defense that rarely makes mistakes. The Wildcats know that Sheridan is looking to settle a score, but they’ve shown that they can handle the pressure and rise to the occasion.
Looking ahead to Friday’s matchup, key battles will define the outcome. Can Pumphrey contain the likes of Pickard, Cornelison, and Van Hilsen? Will Sheridan’s hitters be able to break through El Dorado’s strong pitching and get timely hits? And perhaps most importantly, which team will execute better in the late innings, when close games are often decided?
This game will be about more than just talent. It’s about grit, adjustments, and responding to adversity. Both teams are playing some of their best baseball right now, which makes this more than just a rematch—it’s a measuring stick for postseason aspirations.
Fans unable to attend in person won’t have to miss a moment, as a live stream of the game will be available. Whether you’re rooting for the Yellowjackets to even the season series or hoping the Wildcats keep their momentum rolling, this is a game you won’t want to miss.
First pitch is set for 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Grab your popcorn—or your glove if you're heading to the park—because this one has all the makings of a classic high school baseball showdown.
The Yellowjackets enter this matchup looking to continue their recent surge. With an average of 6.3 runs per game this season, Sheridan’s offense has been firing on all cylinders. They proved their consistency in a gritty 5-3 win over Lebanon in their last outing. That victory wasn’t just another tick in the win column—it was a testament to the balance of power and precision Sheridan brings to the diamond.
At the heart of that performance was Cooper Pumphrey, who turned in a dominant effort on the mound. The right-hander struck out 10 batters in a show of command and control, keeping Lebanon’s hitters off balance all game long. But Pumphrey wasn’t the only one making waves. Luke Baer showcased his discipline and consistency at the plate, reaching base in all three of his appearances. The Yellowjackets are hoping these two can continue their strong play against a formidable El Dorado squad.
On the other side of the diamond, the El Dorado Wildcats are also riding high after a statement 13-5 win over the Mavericks. That victory marked their fifth straight home win, a streak that underscores how dangerous they are when playing in front of their fans. But even on neutral ground, El Dorado is not a team to take lightly.
One of the key players to watch for the Wildcats is Blaine Van Hilsen. In the win over the Mavericks, Van Hilsen played a crucial two-way role. He pitched four solid innings, allowing just two earned runs, and then added fuel to the offensive fire with four RBIs, including a booming triple that got the dugout roaring. His presence on both sides of the game makes him a major X-factor in Friday’s clash.
But Van Hilsen isn’t alone in making noise for El Dorado. Jaxon Pickard and Luke Cornelison were both catalysts at the top of the lineup, consistently getting on base and putting pressure on opposing defenses with their aggressive base running. Both players showcased speed and intelligence, stealing bases and turning singles into scoring opportunities. If they can replicate that kind of production against Sheridan, the Yellowjackets will need to be flawless defensively.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue is the recent history between these two teams. The Wildcats took down the Yellowjackets 8-1 in their previous meeting back in March 2024, a game where El Dorado controlled the pace and limited Sheridan’s offensive rhythm. That result is still fresh in the minds of Sheridan players, and it’s safe to say they’ll be stepping onto the field with a bit of a chip on their shoulder.
While El Dorado may have had the upper hand last time, both teams have grown since that game. Sheridan has become more dynamic offensively and more dependable on the mound. Pumphrey’s emergence as a strikeout threat gives the Yellowjackets an edge they didn’t fully possess earlier in the season. And with hitters like Baer reaching base and setting the table for run production, Sheridan has the tools to flip the script.
From El Dorado’s perspective, the mission is simple: stick to what works. They’ve found success through a combination of steady pitching, aggressive offense, and a defense that rarely makes mistakes. The Wildcats know that Sheridan is looking to settle a score, but they’ve shown that they can handle the pressure and rise to the occasion.
Looking ahead to Friday’s matchup, key battles will define the outcome. Can Pumphrey contain the likes of Pickard, Cornelison, and Van Hilsen? Will Sheridan’s hitters be able to break through El Dorado’s strong pitching and get timely hits? And perhaps most importantly, which team will execute better in the late innings, when close games are often decided?
This game will be about more than just talent. It’s about grit, adjustments, and responding to adversity. Both teams are playing some of their best baseball right now, which makes this more than just a rematch—it’s a measuring stick for postseason aspirations.
Fans unable to attend in person won’t have to miss a moment, as a live stream of the game will be available. Whether you’re rooting for the Yellowjackets to even the season series or hoping the Wildcats keep their momentum rolling, this is a game you won’t want to miss.
First pitch is set for 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Grab your popcorn—or your glove if you're heading to the park—because this one has all the makings of a classic high school baseball showdown.
