Portage hasn't had much luck against Valparaiso recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Indians will take on the Vikings at 4:30 p.m. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Portage is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They walked away with an 8-3 win over Chesterton. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Indians.
Hunter Cole
| 05/30/25 vs Chesterton | 9 |
| 05/22/25 vs La Porte | 6 |
| 05/15/25 vs Illiana Christian | 6 |
| 05/14/25 vs Chesterton | 3 |
| 05/08/25 vs Lowell | 2 |
| + 5 more games |
Hunter Cole made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off eight hits. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in April. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with two RBI.
In other batting news, Williams De Gracia was excellent, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBI and one run. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in April.
Meanwhile, Valparaiso came tearing into Friday's contest with 14 straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 9.6 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They were the clear victors by a 14-4 margin over the Brickies. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest victory the Vikings have posted against the Brickies since March 29, 2018.
Like Portage, Valparaiso also got a great game from a two-way player: Trevor Fenters. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run over five innings pitched. Fenters has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI and one double.
In other batting news, Valparaiso let Maximus Reaume and Gabe Bush run wild. Reaume went 3-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and one triple, while Bush got on base in four of his five plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one double. Matthew Civanich also deserves some recognition as he launched his first home run of the season.
Valparaiso lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.
Portage now has a winning record of 13-12-2. As for Valparaiso, their record is now 21-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Portage has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Valparaiso struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.1 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Portage couldn't quite finish off Valparaiso in their previous matchup back in April and fell 3-1. Can the Indians avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
