New Haven and Fitzgerald are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2021, but likely not for long. The Rockets will host the Spartans at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
On Wednesday, New Haven got the win against Center Line by a conclusive 10-2. The result was nothing new for the Rockets, who have now won seven contests by seven runs or more so far this season.
Eddie Knuckey
| 04/30/25 vs Center Line | 11 |
| 04/23/25 vs Sterling Heights | 10 |
| 04/14/25 @ Memphis | 8 |
| 04/26/25 vs Port Huron | 6 |
| 04/11/25 @ Warren Woods-Tower | 3 |
New Haven got a great performance from Eddie Knuckey as he struck out 11 batters over 5.2 innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits. Knuckey is becoming a predictor of the Rockets' success: when he posts at least eight strikeouts the team is undefeated (and 4-5 when he doesn't).
On the hitting side, Lamar Pearson was a standout: he got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Kaden Gilbert, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases and two runs.
Meanwhile, Fitzgerald can bid farewell to their three-game losing streak thanks to their game on Wednesday. They came out on top against Sterling Heights by a score of 10-5. The game was the first time the Spartans have beaten the Stallions on their field since April 7, 2015.
Thomas Baranski spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned (and four unearned) runs on four hits and racked up 16 Ks. He has been consistent: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in five consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Leiland McCallep and Dylan Bush did most of the damage at the plate: McCallep got on base in all four of his plate appearances with three stolen bases, one triple, and two RBI, while Bush went 2-for-4 with three stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. Those three stolen bases gave Bush a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of E.J Crawford, who got on base in two of his three plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs.
The victory made it two in a row for New Haven and bumps their season record up to 7-5. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 5 runs in those games. As for Fitzgerald, they now have a winning record of 7-6.
New Haven took their victory against Fitzgerald in their previous meeting two weeks ago by a conclusive 15-4 score. Will the Rockets repeat their success, or do the Spartans have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
