Portage hasn't had much luck against La Porte recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Indians will venture away from home to square off against the Slicers at 4:30 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Portage took a ten-run loss the last time they faced off against Illiana Christian, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Indians won by a run and slipped past the Vikings 10-9. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Indians have posted since April 12th.
Hunter Cole
| 05/15/25 vs Illiana Christian | 6 |
| 05/14/25 vs Chesterton | 3 |
| 05/08/25 vs Lowell | 2 |
| 05/06/25 vs Lake Central | 1 |
| 04/30/25 vs Crown Point | 5 |
| 04/26/25 vs Hobart | 7 |
Hunter Cole made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. That's the most strikeouts he has posted over his last six contests. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in two of his four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. He has become a key player for Portage: the team is 2-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 8-10-2 otherwise.
In other batting news, Devon Ortiz was incredible, going 1-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Kodie Young, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three runs and one stolen base.
Meanwhile, La Porte got the win against Lowell on Saturday by a conclusive 12-1. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Slicers.
La Porte also got a great performance from Logan Hay as he pitched five innings while giving up just one earned run off five hits. Hay has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Chad Rusboldt, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, seven RBI, and two runs. Gage Raymond was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs and one stolen base.
La Porte kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 11 hits in three consecutive games.
The victory snapped Portage's losing streak at three games and leaves them with a 10-11-2 record. As for La Porte, their record is now 11-14.
Portage's speedy runners might be the difference in Tuesday's match. The Indians have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.9 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for La Porte, though, as they've been averaging only 1.3 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Portage continue to outrun the ball?
Portage couldn't quite get it done against La Porte in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 as they fell 4-0. Can the Indians avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
