The Eastmoor Academy Warriors will challenge the Northland Vikings at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Last Wednesday, Eastmoor Academy got the win against Walnut Ridge by a conclusive 15-4. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Warriors.
Aayden Johnson
| 04/16/25 vs Walnut Ridge | 3 |
| 04/14/25 @ South | 1 |
| 04/11/25 @ Africentric Early College | 1 |
| 04/09/25 vs Marion-Franklin | 1 |
| 04/07/25 @ Briggs | 2 |
| + 7 more games |
Aayden Johnson and Darren Milligan made a splash no matter where they played. Throwing, Johnson pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Milligan struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits (and not a single walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. At bat, Johnson got on base in all three of his plate appearances with three stolen bases and two runs, while Milligan got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases Johnson has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Mario Blount, who went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. Those three stolen bases gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Damario Whitson, who went 1-for-2 with two runs and two RBI.
Meanwhile, Northland made easy work of Marion-Franklin on Monday and carried off an 18-10 victory.
Dana Byrd was incredible, going 3-for-4 with seven stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. He has become a key player for Northland: the team is 4-1 when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 2-3-1 otherwise. Daymon Busby-Brantley was another key player, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
Northland always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .619. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Northland has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 6-4-1 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.8 runs over those games. As for Eastmoor Academy, they pushed their record up to 9-1 with the victory, which was their fourth straight at home.
Wednesday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Eastmoor Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .548. However, it's not like Northland struggles in that department as they've averaged .503. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Eastmoor Academy was able to grind out a solid win over Northland in their previous meeting back in April of 2023, winning 14-9. Do the Warriors have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Vikings turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
