East Chicago Central hasn't had much luck against Hammond Academy of Science & Tech recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Cardinals will welcome the Hawks at 5:00 p.m. East Chicago Central has given up an average of 10.7 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
East Chicago Central managed to slip by Hammond Central the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Cardinals came up short against the Wolves on Thursday, falling 17-4.
Jorge Sanchez
| 04/08/25 vs 21st Century Charter | 4 |
| 04/17/25 @ Hammond Central | 2 |
| 04/16/25 @ Bowman Academy | 2 |
East Chicago Central saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Jorge Sanchez, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs and one stolen base. Sanchez is becoming a predictor of the Cardinals' success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 1-2 when he doesn't). Victor Rivera was another, going 2-for-3 with two RBI.
Meanwhile, Hammond Academy of Science & Tech had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 7 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Saturday. They walked away with a 10-6 win over the Swordsmen. That's two games straight that the Hawks have won by exactly four runs.
Boudi Sullivan made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out eight over 4.1 innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in April of 2024. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with four RBI.
In other batting news, Anthony Concepcion was a standout: he got on base in three of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. He has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times he's played. Another player making a difference was Diego Patino, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases and one run.
East Chicago Central's defeat dropped their record down to 3-3. As for Hammond Academy of Science & Tech, their victory bumped their record up to 4-1.
Monday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. East Chicago Central has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .497. However, it's not like Hammond Academy of Science & Tech struggles in that department as they've averaged .559. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
East Chicago Central suffered a grim 17-7 defeat to Hammond Academy of Science & Tech in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Will the Cardinals have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
