The Northeast Vikings will take on the Harmon Hawks at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Northeast has given up an average of 18.8 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Northeast is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 20 runs last Thursday, they were much more limited against Highland Park on Monday. They lost 29-2 to the Scots. The Vikings have struggled against the Scots recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost meeting.
Meanwhile, Harmon hadn't done well against Wyandotte recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. The Hawks blew past the Bulldogs 17-2. The result was nothing new for the Hawks, who have now won five contests by ten runs or more so far this season.
Gibson Miller looked comfortable as he struck out nine batters over four innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits (and only one walk). He also tossed a walk, which is notable because Harmon is undefeated when he allows at most two walks, but 4-6 otherwise.
At the plate, Izak Tovar was a standout: he got on base in all four of his plate appearances with three stolen bases and three runs. Those three stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Chad Taylor was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases, three RBI, and one run.
Harmon always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .588. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Harmon has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five games. That's provided a massive bump to their 7-6 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.6 runs over those games. As for Northeast, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-13.
Friday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Northeast has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .487. However, it's not like Harmon struggles in that department as they've averaged .515. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
