Hammond Central will take on Michigan City at 4:45 p.m. on Friday. Hammond Central is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.7 runs per game this season.
Hammond Central will roll into the contest after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Saturday, then bounced right back against Gary West Side on Wednesday. The Wolves put the hurt on the Cougars with a sharp 20-2 victory. The Wolves haven't had any issues with the Cougars recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive win against them.
Juan Magallanes
| 05/14/25 vs Gary West Side | 7 |
| 05/03/25 @ Hebron | 1 |
| 04/26/25 vs Calumet Christian | 3 |
| 04/24/25 @ Highland | 0 |
| 04/17/25 vs East Chicago Central | 7 |
Juan Magallanes made a splash while hitting and pitching. He struck out seven batters over four innings while giving up just two earned runs off one hit. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in April. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. He has become a key player for Hammond Central: the team is 5-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 3-13-1 otherwise.
In other batting news, Christopher Buckley was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in April. The team also got some help courtesy of Elijah Lewis, who went 1-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Hammond Central kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. They are 6-2 when they post 11 or more hits.
Michigan City couldn't beat Merrillville on Wednesday even though they stacked four runs on them in the seventh inning. The Wolves fell 11-6 to the Pirates.
Michigan City saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Brennan Cosich, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one RBI. Mazen Mroueh also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Michigan City has been struggling recently as they've lost five of their last six games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-17 record this season. As for Hammond Central, their record is now 8-14-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Hammond Central has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.9 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Michigan City struggles in that department as they've been averaging 2.9 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Hammond Central suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to Michigan City when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Can Hammond Central avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
