North Central is 9-1 against Lawrence Central since May of 2022 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Tuesday. The Panthers will be playing in front of their home fans against the Bears at 5:30 p.m. North Central will be looking to extend their current four-game winning streak.
North Central is returning to their home field after beating Twin Lakes on theirs, despite the fact Twin Lakes has dominated at home this season. The Panthers were the clear victors by a 9-2 margin over the Indians on Saturday. Considering the Panthers have won nine contests by more than five runs this season, Saturday's blowout was nothing new.
Christian Kropa made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits (and not a single walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and one run.
Charlie Barker
| 05/16/26 @ Twin Lakes | 3 |
| 05/13/26 vs Ben Davis | 1 |
| 05/24/25 vs Avon | 1 |
| 05/20/25 @ Lawrence Central | 6 |
In other pitching news, Charlie Barker looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up just one earned run but no hits. What's more, he posted three strikeouts, the most he's had since back in May of 2025.
Back at the plate, Rykin Matthias was excellent, going 3-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last four games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Kole Krienhagen, who went 2-for-4 with two runs and one stolen base.
North Central kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least ten hits in four consecutive games.
Lawrence Central came out on top against Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter on Friday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run sixth inning. The Bears took their matchup against the Raiders 5-2.
Paul Carnes made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 14 over seven innings pitched. Carnes was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Darrell Rice, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. Lawrence Central is undefeated when Rice posts two or more runs, but 0-12 otherwise. Levi Cagley also deserves some recognition as he scored his first run of the season.
North Central's victory bumped their record up to 15-6. As for Lawrence Central, their win bumped their record up to 3-12.
Lawrence Central's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: North Central has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .453. It's a different story for Lawrence Central, though, as they've only averaged .312. Will they be able to contain North Central's hitters?
North Central skirted past Lawrence Central 5-4 when the teams last played back in June of 2025. Do the Panthers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Bears turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
