The Licking Heights Hornets will challenge the Lincoln Lions at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.
Licking Heights made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Reynoldsburg, but they still couldn't quite topple them. The Hornets put the hurt on the Raiders with a sharp 17-8 victory on Tuesday. Considering the Hornets' hitters had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.
Dom Yosick was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He struck out six batters over four innings while giving up three earned runs off three hits. Yosick was also big at the plate, scoring a run while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Grady Stephens, who went 3-for-5 with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. That's the most hits he has posted since back in March of 2024. Maxim Fink was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-5.
Meanwhile, Lincoln took care of business in their home opener (and then some) on Wednesday. They blew past Mt. Vernon 15-3.
Trent Bowman looked comfortable as he tossed four innings while giving up three earned runs off four hits.
On the hitting side, Anthony Pernotto was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, six RBI, and two runs. Another player making a difference was Aidan Piatt, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI, one triple, and one run.
Lincoln always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .600. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Mt. Vernon only posted an OBP of .435.
Licking Heights' first win this season bumped their record up to 1-2. As for Lincoln, their victory was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 1-0.
Licking Heights might still be hurting after the 10-2 loss they got from Lincoln when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Will the Hornets have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
