The Munster Mustangs are taking a road trip to face off against the Wheeler Bearcats at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Munster is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.3 runs per game this season.
Munster will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Tuesday, then bounced right back against Merrillville on Thursday. The Mustangs walked away with a 12-9 win over the Pirates. The Mustangs haven't had any issues with the Pirates recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.
Munster got a great performance from Swinson Oliver as he didn't allow a single earned run while striking out nine over 6.2 innings pitched. Oliver has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up a single earned run in three consecutive appearances.
Mason Jarrett
| 03/31/25 @ Hammond Bishop Noll | 4 |
| 05/08/25 vs Merrillville | 3 |
| 04/08/25 @ Hobart | 3 |
| 05/01/25 @ Griffith | 2 |
| 04/29/25 vs Hammond Central | 2 |
| + 6 more games |
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Mason Jarrett, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI. Munster is 8-1 when Jarrett posts two or more runs, but 3-6 otherwise. Niko Iatrides was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
Wheeler came out on top against Morgan Township on Thursday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run sixth inning. The Bearcats took their contest against the Cherokees 6-2.
Caleb McLaughlin spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned (and one unearned) run on three hits.
At the plate, Nick Micciche was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two runs and one triple. That's the most hits he has posted since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Christian Cutka, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI.
Munster's record now sits at 11-7. As for Wheeler, their record is now 8-11.
Wheeler's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Munster hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .356. It's a different story for Wheeler, though, as they've only averaged .247. Will they be able to contain Munster's hitters?
Munster took their win against Wheeler in their previous matchup back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 13-0 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Mustangs since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
