The Harpeth Indians will head out to challenge the East Hickman County Eagles at 6:15 p.m. on Monday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
East Hickman County will face off against a team with plenty of momentum: Harpeth extended their winning streak to four on Friday. The Indians were the clear victors by a 13-1 margin over Camden Central. The Indians might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won nine matches by six runs or more this season.
The team relied heavily on Hudson Ealy, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, three RBI, and one double. That's the most hits he has posted over his last 11 games.
Harpeth always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .516. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Camden Central only posted an OBP of .300.
East Hickman County hadn't beaten Houston County on the road since March 23, 2017 but that history sure didn't bother them on Friday. The Eagles put the hurt on the Fighting Irish with a sharp 12-3 victory. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since April 27, 2017, but that streak is no more.
Jayden Malugin made a splash no matter where he played. He tossed four innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two runs and two RBI. He is becoming a predictor of East Hickman County's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 2-11 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Braden Presley was incredible, going 3-for-4 with four stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. He has become a key player for East Hickman County: the team is undefeated when he posts at least three hits, but 4-11 otherwise. Landon Erickson was another key player, going 2-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and two doubles.
East Hickman County's win ended a four-game drought on the road and puts them at 7-11. As for Harpeth, their record is now 14-8.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Harpeth has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.2 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like East Hickman County struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 4.7 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Harpeth was able to grind out a solid victory over East Hickman County in their previous meeting on April 1st, winning 5-2. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Indians since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
