The Onekama Portagers will challenge the Hart Pirates at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams are strolling into their games after big wins in their previous games.
Onekama was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last matchup, but they sure didn't let that happen against Brethren on Tuesday. The Portagers put the hurt on the Bobcats with a sharp 12-3 win. The victory continues a trend for the Portagers in their matchups with the Bobcats: they've now won four in a row.
| 04/22/25 vs Brethren | 10 |
| 04/17/25 vs Ludington | 9 |
| 04/11/25 vs Pentwater | 14 |
| 04/09/25 vs Mesick | 10 |
Hailey Hart made a big impact no matter where she played. She struck out ten batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off two hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than nine strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI.
In other batting news, Onekama got a massive performance out of Heather Zielinski, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with three stolen bases and four runs. Another player making a difference was Ava Mauntler, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI.
Meanwhile, Hart entered their tilt with Hesperia on Tuesday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Panthers a 14-0 shutout. The Pirates might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four contests by seven runs or more this season.
Like Onekama, Hart also got a great game from a two-way player: Kelsey Copenhaver. She looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out ten over five innings pitched. Copenhaver was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one double.
In other batting news, Caydence Bateson was incredible, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. Makenna Carrier was another key player, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with three runs and one double.
Hart always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .548. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Hart's win bumped their record up to 6-3. As for Onekama, their victory bumped their record up to 3-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Onekama has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Hart struggles in that department as they've been averaging 5.6 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Onekama couldn't quite get it done against Hart in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 as they fell 12-9. Will the Portagers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
