The Northgate Flames will challenge the Springdale Dynamos at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Northgate is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.5 runs per game this season.
On Tuesday, Northgate got the win against Aliquippa by a conclusive 17-1. The victory continues a trend for the Flames in their matchups with the Quips: they've now won eight in a row.
Nick Rawlings
| 03/31/26 vs Aliquippa | 3 |
| 03/13/26 @ Sto-Rox | 2 |
| 04/07/25 vs Shenango | 2 |
| 04/23/25 vs New Brighton | 1 |
| 03/21/25 vs Carlynton | 1 |
Nick Rawlings was a major factor no matter where he played. He pitched two innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in strikeouts (three). He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with three stolen bases, three runs, and one triple. He has become a key player for Northgate: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 0-3 otherwise.
In other pitching news, Sylvan Patalano looked comfortable as he tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits.
Back at the plate, Jayden Turner was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with four stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. Northgate is undefeated when Turner posts three or more RBI, but 0-3 otherwise. Caleb Weiss was another key player, getting on base in two of his three plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Springdale was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 6-5 heartbreaker at the hands of Apollo Ridge.
Jackson Loebig was cooking despite his team's loss, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one run and one RBI.
The win got Northgate back to even at 3-3. As for Springdale, their loss dropped their record down to 1-4.
Springdale's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Northgate hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .344. It's a different story for Springdale, though, as they've only averaged .200. Will they be able to contain Northgate's hitters?
Northgate was able to grind out a solid victory over Springdale in their previous meeting back in April of 2019, winning 12-8. Will the Flames repeat their success, or do the Dynamos have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
