Leo is preparing for their first conference matchup of the season on Tuesday. They will head out to challenge the Norwell Knights at 5:30 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Norwell will take on a team with plenty of momentum: Leo extended their winning streak to eight on Wednesday. Everything went the Lions' way against Fremont as they made off with an 18-2 win. The Lions' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Leo let Patrick Drudy and Ethan Wudy run wild. Drudy went 1-for-3 with three RBI and one run, while Wudy went 2-for-3 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. That's the most hits Wudy has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Nolan Butcher, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one run and one RBI.
Leo always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .556. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Fremont only posted an OBP of .211.
Meanwhile, Norwell waltzed into their game on Monday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They blew past the Cadets 14-2.
Norwell also got a great performance from Ryne Thornton as he pitched five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off four hits. Thornton has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Drew Graft, who fired off two home runs, five RBI, and three runs while going 4-for-4. Those home runs were his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Noah Schamerloh, who went 1-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI.
Leo's victory was their eighth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 8-0. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they've averaged 10.3 runs this season. As for Norwell, their victory bumped their record up to 8-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Leo has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Norwell struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Leo came up short against Norwell in their previous matchup back in May of 2024, falling 13-10. Can the Lions avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
