The Northview Chiefs will venture away from home to challenge the Walton Braves at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Northview is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.6 runs per game this season.
While Northview didn't have the best season last year (they finished 11-15), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They put the hurt on Pensacola Christian Academy with a sharp 14-0 victory on Friday. The win continues a trend for the Chiefs in their matchups with the Warriors: they've now won six in a row.
Grayden Sheffield
| 03/07/25 vs Pensacola Christian Academy | 3 |
| 02/27/25 vs Escambia County | 2 |
| 02/14/25 vs Walton | 2 |
| 03/06/25 @ Jay | 1 |
| 03/04/25 @ Flomaton | 1 |
| + 3 more games |
Jayden White and Grayden Sheffield made a big impact while hitting and pitching. Throwing, White kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out nine over four innings pitched. Meanwhile, Sheffield pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Furthermore, White didn't allow a single hit, the first time he has blanked an opponent since back in March of 2024. At bat, White went 2-for-3 with two RBI, while Sheffield scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3. Sheffield has become a key player for Northview: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 3-4 otherwise.
In other batting news, Northview got a massive performance out of Dane King, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one double. That's the most runs King has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Brady Smith, who scored two runs while going 3-for-4.
Northview kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. That's a new trend for them: they were averaging 4.8 hits per game earlier this season, but in their last 15 matchups they've averaged 10.4.
Meanwhile, Walton was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their fifth straight defeat. They lost 18-11 to Bay. Even if the Braves couldn't come away with the victory, the high-scoring effort was a great turnaround for their hitters, which had struggled int the games prior.
Timmy Busby made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-4 with four RBI. Ceaton Ealum also deserves some recognition as he got his first hit of the season.
Northview's win bumped their record up to 6-4. As for Walton, their loss dropped their record down to 2-7.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Northview has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Walton struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Everything went Northview's way against Walton in their previous matchup back in February, as Northview made off with a 12-1 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for Northview since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
