The Valparaiso Vikings will challenge the Hanover Central Wildcats at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Valparaiso is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9 runs per game this season.
Valparaiso will bounce into Thursday's contest after beating Lake Central, who they had gone 2-7 against in their nine prior meetings. The Vikings came out on top against the Indians by a score of 6-2 on Tuesday. The game was the first time the Vikings have beaten the Indians on their field since May 11, 2022.
Kylie McMillan
| 05/19/26 @ Lake Central | 2 |
| 05/18/26 vs Boone Grove | 2 |
| 05/15/26 @ Andrean | 2 |
Kylie McMillan made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she tossed seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off six hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with three RBI and one double.
In other batting news, Addison Simpson was excellent, going 1-for-2 with one home run and two RBI. Megan Sulcer was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Hanover Central posted their closest victory since May 4th on Saturday. They skirted past Hobart 5-3. The Wildcats haven't had any issues with the Brickies recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive win against them.
Jillian DeYoung spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three runs (all of which were unearned) on one hit and racked up 12 Ks.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Kaylee Blocker, who went 3-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Dallas Bowen, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base and one run.
Hanover Central always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .543. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Hobart only posted an OBP of .125.
Hanover Central's victory bumped their record up to 19-6. As for Valparaiso, their win bumped their record up to 15-8-1.
Both the two teams just can't seem to miss. Valparaiso has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 9.7 hits per game. However, it's not like Hanover Central struggles in that department as they've been averaging only 5.4 hits. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
