Hammond Central hasn't had much luck against Highland recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Wolves will square off against the Trojans at 4:30 p.m. One thing working in Hammond Central's favor is that they have posted at least ten runs in their last four games.
While Hammond Central didn't have the best season last year (they finished 7-17), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. Everything went their way against Marquette Catholic on Tuesday as they made off with a 17-10 victory. Considering the Wolves have won five contests by more than six runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Dashaun Turner
| 04/22/25 @ Marquette Catholic | 3 |
| 04/19/25 @ Benton Harbor | 2 |
| 04/19/25 @ Benton Harbor | 2 |
| 04/17/25 vs East Chicago Central | 2 |
| 04/21/25 @ Gary West Side | 1 |
| + 1 more games |
Dashaun Turner made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out six batters over three innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off two hits. Turner was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Hammond Central is undefeated when Turner posts two or more runs, but 2-3-1 otherwise.
In other batting news, Ruben Esquivel was a standout: he went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run. Juan Magallanes was another key player, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Highland came up short against Hanover Central on Tuesday, falling 20-5. The loss continues a trend for the Trojans in their meetings with the Wildcats: they've now lost six in a row.
Danijel Zekavica and David Klapkowski did some serious damage despite the final result: Zekavica went 1-for-3 with three RBI and one double, while Klapkowski got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three runs. That double was Zekavica's first of the season.
Hammond Central is on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 6-3-1 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 18.5 runs over those games. As for Highland, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-7.
Hammond Central suffered a grim 11-1 defeat to Highland in their previous matchup back in April of 2023. Can the Wolves avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
