The Wayland Wildcats will head out on the road to face off against the Otsego Bulldogs at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Otsego took a loss in their last contest and will be looking to turn the tables on Wayland, who comes in off a win.
Wayland was handed a heart-breaking two-run defeat in their last match, but they sure didn't let that happen against Ionia on Tuesday. The Wildcats blew past the Bulldogs 11-5. The result was nothing new for the Wildcats, who have now won nine games by six runs or more so far this season.
Easton Williams made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he pitched three innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with three RBI and one run. That's the most RBI he has posted since May 3rd.
Gavin Mulder
| 05/16/25 @ Lowell | 7 |
| 04/30/25 vs Northview | 4 |
| 04/26/25 @ Trenton | 3 |
| 05/12/25 vs Coopersville | 2 |
| 04/28/25 @ Northview | 2 |
In other pitching news, Gavin Mulder looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has become a key player for Wayland: the team is undefeated when he allows at most one hit, but 10-16 otherwise.
Back at the plate, Trent Sikkema was excellent, going 2-for-4 with three runs and one stolen base. That's the most runs he has posted since May 5th.
Wayland kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Ionia only managed six hits.
Meanwhile, Otsego fought the good fight in their extra-innings contest against Three Rivers on Tuesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Wildcats by a score of 5-4.
Otsego also got a good showing from Matthew Jackson, who tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. What's more, Jackson gave up only zero walks, the fewest he's had since back in April.
On the hitting side, Otsego saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Peyton Koenig, who went 1-for-2 with three stolen bases, one run, and one RBI.
Otsego has also traveled a rocky road recently, having lost 11 of their last 14 matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 10-16 record this season. As for Wayland, their record is now 13-16.
Wayland's speedy runners might be the difference in Saturday's game. The Wildcats have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.9 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Otsego, though, as they've been averaging only 1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Wayland continue to outrun the ball?
Wayland took their victory against Otsego when the teams last played back in March of 2022 by a conclusive 20-8 score. Do the Wildcats have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Bulldogs turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
