The STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley Bulldogs will square off against the Hazelwood Central Hawks at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last contest, but they sure didn't let that happen against Normandy on Tuesday. The Bulldogs blew past the Vikings 11-2. The win continues a trend for the Bulldogs in their matchups with the Vikings: they've now won five in a row.
Ladarius Garman was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over three innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits. Garman was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing two bases while getting on base in two of his three plate appearances.
In other batting news, STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley got a massive performance out of Duecy Mason, who scored two runs and stole four bases while going 2-for-3. Another player making a difference was Katrelle Williams, who scored two runs and stole three bases while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, Hazelwood Central never let their opponents score on Monday. They walked away with a 5-0 victory over Hazelwood East.
Like STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley, Hazelwood Central also got a great game from a two-way player: Mekhi Maclin. Throwing, Maclin kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 16 over six innings pitched. Meanwhile, Jace Dickson tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up a single hit in three consecutive appearances. At the plate, Maclin went 2-for-4 with one stolen base and two RBI, while Dickson scored three runs and stole six bases while getting on base in two of his four plate appearances.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact as two players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Julius Reed, who went 1-for-3 with one triple and one run. Jaylin Worthy was another, scoring a run and stealing three bases while getting on base in two of his three plate appearances.
STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley now has a winning record of 2-1. As for Hazelwood Central, their win ended a ten-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 3-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 9 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Hazelwood Central struggles in that department as they've been averaging 15.5 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Everything went STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley's way against Hazelwood Central in their previous matchup back in May of 2023, as STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley made off with an 8-2 victory. Do the Bulldogs have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Hawks turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
