The NorthWood Panthers will face off against the Warsaw Tigers at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. NorthWood is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.5 runs per game this season.
Warsaw will take on a team with plenty of momentum: NorthWood extended their winning streak to three on Saturday. The Panthers narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past New Prairie 4-2. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Panthers have posted since May 25, 2024.
NorthWood got a great performance from Brady Blackford as he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over 4.1 innings pitched. Blackford has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Connor Reed, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one stolen base and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Warsaw won against Plymouth on Friday with ten runs and they decided to stick to that run total again on Saturday. The Tigers blew past Manchester 10-4. Considering the Tigers have won six games by more than five runs this season, Saturday's blowout was nothing new.
Brandt Martin tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run over 4.1 innings pitched. What's more, he posted five strikeouts, the most he's had since back in April of 2024.
On the hitting side, Kellan Bailey was a standout: he got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. Quinton Brock was another key player, going 1-for-3 with three stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI.
Warsaw hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least five batters in four consecutive matches.
NorthWood's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 7-3. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.7 runs on average over those games. As for Warsaw, their win bumped their record up to 6-3.
Monday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. NorthWood hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .322. However, it's not like Warsaw struggles in that department as they've averaged .362. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
NorthWood came up short against Warsaw in their previous matchup back in May of 2024, falling 4-0. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
