If North Central was feeling good off their 16-1 takedown of New Prairie on Saturday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The North Central Panthers fell 8-5 to the South Bend Clay Colonials on Saturday. North Central was given a dose of their own medicine in this game as South Bend Clay apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in May of 2023.
Lorelei Hewlate was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: she struck out seven batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits.
On the hitting side, Kennady Johnson was cooking despite her team's loss, going 3-for-4 with two runs, a triple, and an RBI. Another player making a difference was Eliza Rammel, who went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI.
On South Bend Clay's side, Jessica Cleveland made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing seven innings while giving up four earned (and one unearned) runs off ten hits. Cleveland has been consistent recently: she hasn't pitched less than seven innings in three consecutive pitching appearances. Cleveland was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, Rachel Hunt was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing three bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now stolen two or more in the last three games she's played.
North Central has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 9-11 record this season. As for South Bend Clay, their win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 10-12.
North Central will take on Guerin Catholic at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. North Central is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season. As for South Bend Clay, they will take on Edwardsburg at 6:04 p.m. on Sunday. South Bend Clay has given up an average of 7 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
