The Salem Generals will take on the North Warren Central Cougars at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Salem lost a heartbreaker the last time they played Hartford Central, but it's fair to say they got their revenge given the result of Friday's game. The Generals blew past the Tanagers 12-2 on Friday. The victory was nothing new for the Generals as they're now sitting on four straight.
Stephen Yakubec was a standout: he got on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Chase Baylor, who went 2-for-5 with two runs and two RBI.
Salem kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in six consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, North Warren Central fought the good fight in their extra-innings match against Hadley Luzerne on Thursday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Eagles by a score of 13-12.
Owen Scheafer was cooking despite his team's loss, going 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. That double was his first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Daniel Mattison, who went 2-for-4 with two runs and one RBI.
Salem pushed their record up to 6-3 with the win, which was their fourth straight on the road. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.5 runs over those games. As for North Warren Central, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 7-3-1 record this season.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Salem has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .439. However, it's not like North Warren Central struggles in that department as they've averaged .453. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Salem might still be hurting after the 9-0 loss they got from North Warren Central in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Will the Generals have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
