Central City/Centura and Malcolm are an even 4-4 against one another since April of 2022, but likely not for long. The Kernels will be playing in front of their home fans against the Clippers at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Central City/Centura 3.9, Malcolm 3.4) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Central City/Centura easily dispatched St. Paul/Palmer on Tuesday, but unfortunately both the margin and the ultimate result were a different story in this one. The Kernels fell just short of York by a score of 5-3 on Thursday.
Conner Erickson
| 04/23/26 vs York | 6 |
| 04/18/26 @ Roncalli Catholic | 9 |
| 04/14/26 vs Crete | 5 |
| 04/09/26 vs Wahoo/Bishop Neumann | 10 |
| 04/06/26 @ St. Paul/Palmer | 5 |
Conner Erickson was huge no matter where he played even without the win. He struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and four unearned) runs off five hits (and not a single walk). He has been consistent: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and one run.
Erickson wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Quinn Jensen, who went 1-for-4 with one double.
Meanwhile, Malcolm waltzed into their contest on Friday with three straight wins... but they left with four. They never let the Eagles get on the board and left with a 10-0 victory. The result was nothing new for the Clippers, who have now won eight matchups by seven runs or more so far this season.
Not much got past Gavin Little, who gave up just three hits and racked up 12 Ks to keep Arlington off the board.
On the hitting side, Malcolm got a big performance out of Justin Wisnieski, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base. That's the most hits Wisnieski has posted since back in May of 2025. Another player making a difference was Nolan Duzik, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Malcolm was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .417. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .417 or higher in three consecutive games.
Malcolm's win bumped their record up to 13-4. As for Central City/Centura, their loss dropped their record down to 12-4.
Saturday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Central City/Centura has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .438. However, it's not like Malcolm struggles in that department as they've averaged .481. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Central City/Centura suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Malcolm in their previous matchup back in May of 2025. Will the Kernels have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
