Norwell is on a four-game streak of home wins, while Leo is on a five-game streak of away wins (dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Knights will welcome the Lions at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Norwell had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 12-run drubbing they dealt Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran on Monday. The Knights were the clear victors by a 14-2 margin over the Cadets.
Ryne Thornton
| 04/28/25 vs Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran | 0 |
| 04/22/25 vs Jay County | 1 |
| 04/14/25 vs Marion | 2 |
Norwell got a great performance from Ryne Thornton as he tossed five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off four hits. Thornton has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Drew Graft was incredible, firing off two home runs, five RBI, and three runs while going 4-for-4. Those two home runs gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Noah Schamerloh, who went 1-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI.
Norwell always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .529. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Leo). They were the clear victors by an 18-2 margin over Fremont on Wednesday. The team's explosion at the plate also rewarded the Lions with their most commanding win of the season.
Leo let Patrick Drudy and Ethan Wudy run wild. Drudy went 1-for-3 with three RBI and one run, while Wudy went 2-for-3 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Nolan Butcher, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one run and one RBI.
Norwell has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five games. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-4 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.0 runs over those games. As for Leo, their win bumped their record up to 8-0.
Tuesday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Norwell has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .438. However, it's not like Leo struggles in that department as they've averaged .484. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Norwell was able to grind out a solid victory over Leo in their previous meeting back in May of 2024, winning 13-10. Will the Knights repeat their success, or do the Lions have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
