The Northern Lebanon Vikings will head out to square off against the Annville-Cleona Dutchmen at 4:15 p.m. on Monday. Northern Lebanon will aim to continue their three-game streak of scoring more runs each contest than the last.
Northern Lebanon came out on top against Cedar Crest on Friday thanks in part to the team's impressive seven-run sixth inning. The Vikings were the clear victors by a 13-7 margin over the Falcons. The result was nothing new for the Vikings, who have now won eight matches by six runs or more so far this season.
Owen Fahringer was excellent, going 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was Adrian Gonzalez, who got on base in three of his five plate appearances with three runs.
Northern Lebanon always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .585. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in three consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Annville-Cleona hadn't done well against Lancaster Catholic recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Wednesday. The Dutchmen won by a run and slipped past the Crusaders 2-1. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Dutchmen.
Noah Morcom made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in six consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Annville-Cleona pushed their record up to 10-7 with the victory, which was their fifth straight at home. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Northern Lebanon, their record is now 17-2.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Northern Lebanon has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Annville-Cleona struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Northern Lebanon came out on top in a nail-biter against Annville-Cleona when the teams last played back in April, sneaking past 3-2. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Vikings since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
