Allentown Central Catholic hasn't had much luck against Parkland recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Vikings will face off against the Trojans at 4:45 p.m. Allentown Central Catholic is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt wants to keep things rolling.
Allentown Central Catholic took a seven-run loss the last time they faced off against Freedom, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Vikings sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 2-1 win over the Patriots on Tuesday. While the Vikings didn't have the best season last year (they finished 10-13), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Nolan Young spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on one hit and racked up eight Ks. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Allentown Central Catholic's victory was truly a team effort as three different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Andrew Bowser, who scored a run while going 1-for-2.
Allentown Central Catholic always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .667. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Freedom only posted an OBP of .130.
For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Parkland and Northampton meet (four straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Tuesday. The Trojans had just enough and edged out the Konkrete Kids 2-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Trojans have posted since May 22, 2024.
Steven Sepko looked comfortable as he tossed 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
Parkland's victory was their sixth straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 5-1. The road wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.8 runs on average this season. As for Allentown Central Catholic, their record now sits at 7-0.
Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Allentown Central Catholic has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .484. However, it's not like Parkland struggles in that department as they've averaged .432. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Allentown Central Catholic couldn't quite get it done against Parkland in their previous meeting back in May of 2024 as they fell 8-4. Can the Vikings avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
