Kokomo, Western Head Into Friday Night Matchups in Early-Season Test
Howard County baseball takes center stage Friday night with Kokomo and Western both in action. As the 2026 season continues to unfold, each program will look to take another step forward against non-county opponents under the lights.
It’s an early opportunity for both teams to build momentum and start shaping their identities. As always, all rankings mentioned come from the Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association poll.
Kokomo (0-6) vs Frankfort (3-4)
Kokomo is still searching for its first win under new head coach Eric Dill. The Wildkats have struggled to stay competitive at times, which could impact team morale. They can’t allow recent results to affect their confidence as they head on the road to Frankfort.
Frankfort enters the game after losing four of its last six but is led by Alex Lopez, who paces the team in batting average (.600), on-base percentage (.727) and slugging percentage (1.000). While the Hot Dogs may have the edge on paper, that doesn’t guarantee the outcome.
Defense will play a key role. Frankfort holds the edge with a higher fielding percentage and fewer errors, which could be the difference Friday night.
Winner: Frankfort
3A #4 Western (7-0) vs Carroll (Flora) (1-3)
Western has opened the 2026 high school baseball season on a strong note. The Panthers are not only undefeated, but they’ve also received contributions from multiple players. Western has convincingly won most of its games, building confidence as it heads on the road to Carroll (Flora).
Carroll enters Friday night’s game following an 11-10 win over North Miami. The Cougars have had no trouble scoring, posting at least 11 runs in all but one game. While Carroll has been productive at the plate, Western’s pitching has been just as impressive. The Panthers’ rotation has been a key strength early in the season.
Western’s balance on the mound and at the plate gives it the edge in this matchup.
Winner: Western
Friday night gives both Kokomo and Western a chance to make early-season statements as the schedule continues to unfold. With each program still finding its footing, these matchups offer another opportunity to build consistency and momentum.
As the season moves forward, results like these will help shape how both teams are viewed in the Howard County landscape.
Jay’s stats
2025-2026 sports season: 75-32 (70.1%)
