The Springs Valley Blackhawks will venture away from home to face off against the Salem Lions at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Springs Valley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8 runs per game this season.
Springs Valley had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 13-run drubbing they dealt Wood Memorial on Monday. The Blackhawks blew past the Trojans 15-2. The victory continues a trend for the Blackhawks in their matchups with the Trojans: they've now won nine in a row.
Hunter Thomas
| 04/21/25 vs Wood Memorial | 3 |
| 04/12/25 vs Mitchell | 2 |
| 04/10/25 vs Eastern | 1 |
| 05/10/24 @ Northeast Dubois | 1 |
Braylon Kovas and Hunter Thomas were major factors no matter where they played. Throwing, Kovas pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Thomas struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit (and not a single walk). He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Springs Valley is undefeated when he allows at most one walk, but 1-2 otherwise. At the plate, Kovas went 2-for-4 with two runs, one double, and one RBI, while Thomas went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run and five RBI. Those three hits gave Thomas a new career-high.
In other batting news, Noah Allstott was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Blake Buchanan, who went 1-for-2 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Springs Valley kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Salem hadn't done well against Brownstown Central recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Monday. The Lions walked away with an 8-3 win over the Braves.
Springs Valley pushed their record up to 4-2 with the victory, which was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.2 runs over those games. As for Salem, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 5-3-1 record this season.
Everything went Springs Valley's way against Salem in their previous meeting back in April of 2024, as Springs Valley made off with a 15-7 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Blackhawks since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
