Norwell hasn't had much luck against Homestead recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Knights will take on the Spartans at 5:00 p.m. After the two teams made easy work of their previous opponents, one won't be so lucky on Thursday.
Norwell was handed a heart-breaking two-run defeat in their last contest, but they sure didn't let that happen against Jay County on Tuesday. The Knights put the hurt on the Patriots with a sharp 14-4 win. The Knights might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four matches by seven runs or more this season.
Ryne Thornton tossed a big game, striking out six batters over five innings while giving up four earned runs off five hits (and only one walk).
Noah Schamerloh
| 04/22/25 vs Jay County | 3 |
| 04/15/25 @ Mississinewa | 2 |
| 04/14/25 vs Marion | 2 |
| 04/21/25 @ Bluffton | 1 |
| 04/19/25 @ Logansport | 1 |
| + 2 more games |
On the hitting side, Norwell got a massive performance out of Noah Schamerloh, who went 2-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. The Knights are undefeated when Schamerloh posts two or more runs, but 2-3 otherwise. Trey Privett also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Norwell kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That's the most hits they've posted since back in May of 2024.
Meanwhile, Homestead had already won seven in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 3.6 runs) and they went ahead and made it eight on Monday. Their pitchers stepped up to hand the Flying Jets a 17-0 shutout. That looming 17-0 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Spartans yet this season.
Jacob Erb looked comfortable as he struck out nine batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks any time he's pitched this season.
At the plate, Gray Stockwell was a standout: he went 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Those two runs gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Cole Kintz, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three stolen bases and three runs.
Homestead pushed their record up to 9-1 with the victory, which was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.6 runs over those games. As for Norwell, their record now sits at 5-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Norwell has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Homestead struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 10.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Norwell couldn't quite finish off Homestead in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 and fell 2-0. Can the Knights avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
