Northview and Freeport are an even 5-5 against one another since February of 2016, but likely not for long. The Chiefs will take on the Bulldogs at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Northview was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last matchup, but they sure didn't let that happen against Walton on Monday. The Chiefs were the clear victors by a 13-2 margin over the Braves.
Jack Boutwell made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits over six innings pitched. Boutwell was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
Jase Portwood
| 02/16/26 vs Walton | 3 |
| 04/11/25 vs W.S. Neal | 2 |
| 04/08/25 @ T.R. Miller | 2 |
| 04/04/25 vs West Florida | 2 |
| 03/07/25 vs Pensacola Christian Academy | 2 |
In other batting news, Grayden Sheffield and Jase Portwood did most of the damage at the plate: Sheffield went 1-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI, while Portwood went 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Those three RBI gave Portwood a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Grayson Burns, who went 2-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
Northview always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .583. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Walton only posted an OBP of .143.
Meanwhile, Freeport beat Vernon 8-5 on Friday. The Bulldogs haven't had any issues with the Yellowjackets recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive victory against them.
Frank Vollmer was incredible, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two stolen bases and three runs. Vollmer is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: he's snagged at least two every time he's taken the field this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Tyler Howard, who went 1-for-2 with three RBI and one run.
Freeport now has a winning record of 2-1. As for Northview, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-2.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Northview has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Freeport struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Northview got the 'W' in their previous meeting back in May of 2019 against Freeport by a conclusive 8-2 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Chiefs since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
