The Monroe Trojans will challenge the Jackson Vikings on Saturday. Monroe is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.9 runs per game this season.
Monroe will bounce into Saturday's game after beating Skyline, who they had gone 2-7 against in their nine prior meetings. The Trojans walked away with a 9-5 victory over the Eagles on Wednesday.
Carson Liedel
| 04/22/26 @ Skyline | 1 |
| 04/13/26 vs Jackson | 1 |
| 04/07/26 @ Huron | 1 |
| 03/20/26 vs Lincoln Park | 1 |
The team relied heavily on Carson Liedel, who got on base in three of his five plate appearances with one home run, two stolen bases, and three runs. He has become a key player for Monroe: the team is undefeated when he posts at least one home run, but 3-7 otherwise.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Jackson). They never let Ypsilanti get on the board and left with a 31-0 win on Wednesday. The victory continues a trend for the Vikings in their matchups with the Grizzlies: they've now won seven in a row.
Nate Ehlert looked comfortable as he pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
At the plate, Eric Lopez was a standout: he got on base in all five of his plate appearances with three stolen bases, four runs, and two RBI. Those three stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Kylin Davis, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base.
Jackson always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .810. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
The win got Monroe back to even at 7-7. As for Jackson, their victory bumped their record up to 6-10.
Saturday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Monroe has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .464. However, it's not like Jackson struggles in that department as they've averaged .451. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Monroe beat Jackson 7-2 in their previous matchup last Monday. Will the Trojans repeat their success, or do the Vikings have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
