The Waverly Vikings are taking a road trip to face off against the Hastings Tigers at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Waverly is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.3 runs per game this season.
Waverly will roll into the matchup after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Thursday, then bounced right back against Seward on Monday. The Vikings put the hurt on the Bluejays with a sharp 10-2 win. The victory was some much needed relief for the Vikings as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
Luci Thieman made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over five innings pitched. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with one triple and two RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in September.
In other batting news, Blakeley Meyers was a standout: she went 2-for-4 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases she has posted over her last 11 contests. The team also got some help courtesy of Reagan Glassburner, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
Waverly always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .533. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Seward only posted an OBP of .263.
Meanwhile, Hastings faced Kearney in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Tuesday. The Tigers came out on top against the Bearcats by a score of 11-8. The Tigers haven't had any issues with the Bearcats recently, as the game was their ninth consecutive win against them.
BROOKE OCHSNER was incredible, going 2-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was EMILY KRATZER, who went 1-for-4 with one home run and three RBI.
Waverly's record is now 16-10. As for Hastings, their record now sits at 20-7.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Waverly hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .342. However, it's not like Hastings struggles in that department as they've averaged .324. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Waverly might still be hurting after the 12-6 loss they got from Hastings when the teams last played back in October of 2024. Can the Vikings avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
