The Hazel Park Vikings will take on the Sterling Heights Stallions at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
On Monday, Hazel Park made easy work of Fitzgerald and carried off an 18-5 win. The victory continues a trend for the Vikings in their matchups with the Spartans: they've now won nine in a row.
Madison Platt (2027) made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out ten batters over five innings while giving up five earned runs off only two hits (and only one walk). Platt (2027) was also solid in the batter's box, earning two runs and three stolen bases.
In other batting news, Hazel Park got a massive performance out of La'Onna Otis (2027), who went 1-for-5 with six stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. Otis (2027) also put up a double, which was her first of the season. Camilla Polanco (2029) was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three runs.
Hazel Park was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .412. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Fitzgerald only posted a batting average of .059.
Meanwhile, Sterling Heights hadn't done well against Roseville recently (they were 0-3 in their previous three matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. The Stallions were the clear victors by a 20-3 margin over the Panthers. The win was familiar territory for the Stallions, who have now won three contests in a row.
Sterling Heights' victory bumped their record up to 3-1. As for Hazel Park, their win bumped their record up to 4-5.
Wednesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hazel Park has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .504. However, it's not like Sterling Heights struggles in that department as they've averaged .748. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hazel Park took their victory against Sterling Heights when the teams last played back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 18-0 score. Do the Vikings have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Stallions turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
