The Hammond Central Wolves will venture away from home to take on the Hammond Morton Governors at 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Hammond Central is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.5 runs per game this season.
Hammond Central was handed a nine-run loss in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Saturday. They skirted past Hammond Baptist 8-6. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Wolves have posted since April 10th.
Christopher Buckley
| 05/02/25 vs Bowman Academy | 3 |
| 04/19/25 @ Benton Harbor | 3 |
| 05/17/25 @ Hammond Baptist | 2 |
| 05/14/25 vs Gary West Side | 2 |
| 04/21/25 @ Gary West Side | 2 |
| + 5 more games |
Christopher Buckley was incredible, firing off two home runs and six RBI while going 2-for-3. He also scored two runs, which is notable because Hammond Central is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 4-15-1 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Jansel Savinon, who went 2-for-4 with four stolen bases and one run.
They weren't the only ones working in the home run department: Hammond Central lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've posted since back in April.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Hammond Morton, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Thursday. They never let Gary West Side get on the board and left with a 9-0 victory on Monday. The Governors might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight matches by nine runs or more this season.
Alex Rodriguez made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out 12 over five innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with two stolen bases. Those two stolen bases gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Gerard Garnett, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. That's the most hits he has posted since back in May of 2024. Hector Villegas also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen bases of the season.
Hammond Morton's record now sits at 10-13. As for Hammond Central, their win ended a seven-game drought on the road and puts them at 9-15-1.
Tuesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hammond Central has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .490. However, it's not like Hammond Morton struggles in that department as they've averaged .465. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hammond Central might still be hurting after the 13-3 defeat they got from Hammond Morton in their previous meeting two weeks ago. Can the Wolves avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
