Riverview Gardens hasn't had much luck against Hazelwood Central recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Rams will host the Hawks at 4:00 p.m.
Riverview Gardens is headed into Monday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their tenth straight game dating back to last season on Friday. They lost 17-2 to STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley.
Meanwhile, Hazelwood Central entered their tilt with McCluer North on Thursday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They blew past the Stars 10-3. While the Hawks didn't have the best season last year (they finished 2-15), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Mekhi Maclin and Jace Dickson were major factors while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Maclin tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Meanwhile, Dickson kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 13 over five innings pitched. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up a single hit in six consecutive appearances. At the plate, Maclin went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and two doubles, while Dickson went 2-for-3 with four stolen bases, four runs, and two RBI. Dickson has become a key player for Hazelwood Central: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 1-2 otherwise.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Julius Reed, who got on base in two of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases and three runs. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged two or more in each of the last four games he's played.
Hazelwood Central's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 6-2. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.0 run on average over those games. As for Riverview Gardens, their loss dropped their record down to 0-3.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Riverview Gardens has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Hazelwood Central struggles in that department as they've been averaging 14.1 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Riverview Gardens might still be hurting after the 15-0 defeat they got from Hazelwood Central in their previous meeting back in March. Will the Rams have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
