East Central is 0-4 against New Palestine since April of 2021 but things could change on Saturday. The Trojans will challenge the Dragons at 11:00 a.m. East Central will aim to continue their four-game streak of scoring more runs each matchup than the last.
East Central lost a heartbreaker the last time they played South Dearborn, but it's fair to say they got their revenge given the result of Thursday's game. The Trojans put the hurt on the Knights with a sharp 30-1 win on Thursday. The Trojans' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Paige Hotze made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one home run, five RBI, and three runs. Those three runs gave her a new career-high.
Taylor Sommer
| 04/17/25 vs South Dearborn | 3 |
| 04/14/25 vs Batesville | 2 |
| 04/12/25 @ Jennings County | 2 |
| 04/08/25 vs Connersville | 2 |
| 05/16/24 @ Franklin County | 2 |
In other batting news, Taylor Sommer was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. Those three runs gave her a new career-high. Emily Klem was another key player, going 3-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
East Central hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post two or more strikeouts.
Meanwhile, on Friday New Palestine's undefeated season almost came to an end. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 4-3 W against Carmel. Those four runs were actually the fewest the Dragons have put up all season, but given the result they're probably not too concerned.
New Palestine also got a great performance from Sadey Hughbanks as she struck out 11 batters over 5.1 innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and only one walk).
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Katie Hirschy, who went 3-for-5 with two runs and one double. Another player making a difference was Maddie Engle, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with one run.
New Palestine's victory was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 7-0. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.0 runs over those games. As for East Central, their record now sits at 5-3.
Saturday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. East Central hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .448. However, it's not like New Palestine struggles in that department as they've averaged .387. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
East Central suffered a grim 20-0 defeat to New Palestine in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Trojans avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
