The Columbia City Eagles will square off against the Manchester Squires at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Columbia City is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.5 runs per game this season.
Columbia City will roll into the contest after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up one run on Friday, then bounced right back against Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran on Wednesday. The Eagles blew past the Cadets 15-4. The victory continues a trend for the Eagles in their matchups with the Cadets: they've now won three in a row.
Lukus Schmitt made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He tossed four innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits. Schmitt was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
Trey Deckman
| 04/17/25 @ Wawasee | 3 |
| 04/23/25 vs Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran | 2 |
| 04/03/25 @ Plymouth | 2 |
| 04/16/25 vs Churubusco | 1 |
| 04/01/25 vs Carroll | 1 |
| + 1 more games |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Trey Deckman, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, five RBI, and two runs. He has become a key player for Columbia City: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 2-3 otherwise. Logan Matiya was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs and one double.
Columbia City always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .567. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Manchester came up short against Huntington North on Thursday and fell 9-6.
Reiss Gaerte led a balanced group of hitters, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last five games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Brendyn Mugford, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Manchester's loss dropped their record down to 7-3. As for Columbia City, their win bumped their record up to 5-3.
Friday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Columbia City has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .434. However, it's not like Manchester struggles in that department as they've averaged .488. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
