Hammond Central will face off against Michigan City at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Hammond Central has given up an average of 17.2 runs per game this season, but Saturday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
While Hammond Central's win against Merrillville wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Wolves narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past the Pirates 17-15. The Wolves haven't had any issues with the Pirates recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.
Hammond Central got a massive performance out of Neveena Funches, who got on base in all five of her plate appearances with four runs, one triple, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Johanna Harper, who got on base in four of her five plate appearances with four runs and two stolen bases.
Hammond Central was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .484. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .308 or higher in five consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, Michigan City was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their eighth straight loss dating back to last season. They lost 14-1 to Valparaiso.
Michigan City saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Rylee Brehmer, who went 1-for-2 with one RBI.
The victory got Hammond Central back to even at 3-3. As for Michigan City, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-5.
Michigan City's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Hammond Central has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 12.3 hits per game. It's a different story for Michigan City, though, as they've been averaging 11.8 hits. Given Hammond Central's sizable advantage in that area, Michigan City will need to find a way to close that gap.
Hammond Central might still be hurting after the 21-4 loss they got from Michigan City in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Will Hammond Central have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
