Coal City's Picard, Kuder lead win over Peotone

Softball roundup: Khloe Picard's homer, Masyn Kuder's shutout lift Coal City past Peotone

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:51am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the abstract shapes and movements of a softball game, without any identifiable players or details.A cubist interpretation of the intense action and energy of a high school softball game.Grant Park Today

Khloe Picard's sixth-inning home run was the difference as Coal City defeated Peotone 1-0 in softball action on Tuesday. Masyn Kuder struck out 14 in a five-hit shutout for the Coalers. Elsewhere, Wilmington, Beecher, Manteno, Grant Park and others also picked up wins.

Why it matters

The Coal City-Peotone matchup was a key Illinois Central Eight conference game, with Coal City improving to 4-2 in league play. Kuder's dominant pitching performance and Picard's timely hitting were crucial in the narrow victory.

The details

Picard's solo home run in the top of the sixth inning proved to be the game-winning hit for Coal City. Kuder was outstanding in the circle, allowing just five hits while striking out 14 Peotone batters. Sophie Klawitter took the loss for Peotone despite a strong outing, allowing one earned run on three hits with nine strikeouts.

  • Picard's go-ahead homer came in the top of the sixth inning.
  • Kuder struck out 14 Peotone batters in the complete game shutout.

The players

Khloe Picard

A player for the Coal City softball team who hit the game-winning home run in the sixth inning.

Masyn Kuder

The Coal City pitcher who tossed a five-hit shutout, striking out 14 batters.

Sophie Klawitter

The Peotone pitcher who took the tough-luck loss, allowing just one earned run on three hits with nine strikeouts.

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What they’re saying

“Khloe Picard's solo home run in the top of the sixth was the difference for the Coalers (11-8, 4-2 Illinois Central Eight), who played as the road team on their home turf.”

— Mason Schweizer, Author

“Masyn Kuder struck out 14 in a five-hit shutout, and she also tripled.”

— Mason Schweizer, Author

The takeaway

Coal City's narrow victory over Peotone showcased the team's resilience and ability to win close conference games, led by the standout performances of Picard and Kuder. The Coalers remain in the hunt for the Illinois Central Eight title with their 4-2 league record.