Baseball Game Preview: Valparaiso Vikings vs. Hammond Central Wolves

The Valparaiso Vikings will head out to take on the Hammond Central Wolves at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Valparaiso has seven straight victories, Hammond Central has five straight defeats), but none of that matters once you're on the field.

Hammond Central's hitters are going to have their work cut out for them on Saturday: Valparaiso hadn't allowed a single run the last four times they've hit the field. The Vikings had just enough and edged out Boone Grove 1-0 on Thursday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Vikings have posted since April 19th.

Valparaiso secured the victory behind a pair of hitters. One of them was Gabe Bush, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one RBI.

Meanwhile, Hammond Central came up short against River Forest on Friday, falling 16-3.

Valparaiso pushed their record up to 13-5 with the win, which was their fifth straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.0 runs over those games. As for Hammond Central, their loss dropped their record down to 7-13-1.

Saturday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Valparaiso has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .431. However, it's not like Hammond Central struggles in that department as they've averaged .519. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.