The Valparaiso Vikings will face off against the Hammond Bishop Noll Warriors at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Valparaiso is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8 runs per game this season.
Valparaiso is probably headed into the game with a chip on their shoulder considering Hobart just ended the team's three-game winning streak on Thursday. They fell just short of the Brickies by a score of 8-7.
Jack Baumgardner was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: he struck out six batters over 5.1 innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits (and only one walk).
On the hitting side, Logan Dilley and Grant McFarden did some serious damage despite the final result: Dilley went a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run and two RBI, while McFarden went a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI and one double. That home run marked the first that Dilley has launched this season. Another player making a difference was Ben Glass, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Hammond Bishop Noll entered their contest against Calumet Christian on Thursday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. The Warriors lost 17-4 to the Patriots. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Warriors have suffered since April 10th.
Sammy Rosas and Isaac Lopez stepped up to the plate in a big way. Rosas got on base in all three of his plate appearances with one stolen base and one run, while Lopez went a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Ajay Peterson, who went 1-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Hammond Bishop Noll's defeat dropped their record down to 6-5. As for Valparaiso, their loss dropped their record down to 7-3.
Saturday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Valparaiso has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .446. However, it's not like Hammond Bishop Noll struggles in that department as they've averaged .481. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Valparaiso skirted past Hammond Bishop Noll 9-7 in their previous matchup back in April of 2019. Will the Vikings repeat their success, or do the Warriors have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
