The York Dukes will head out to square off against the Maine South Hawks at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday. York is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt wants to keep things rolling.
York had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the nine-run drubbing they dealt Hinsdale South on Tuesday. The Dukes were the clear victors by a 12-3 margin over the Hornets. That nine run margin sets a new team best for the Dukes this season.
Matt Young looked comfortable as he pitched four innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off two hits.
At the plate, Josh Fleming was a standout: he went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, three doubles, and one RBI. Ryan Lisowski was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, Maine South narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past Prospect 3-1. The victory continues a trend for the Hawks in their matchups with the Knights: they've now won three in a row.
Nick Conway tossed a big game, pitching 6.2 innings while giving up just one earned run off six hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks any time he's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, Maine South saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Alex Babich, who went 1-for-2 with one double. That double marked the first that Babich hit this season.
York pushed their record up to 5-0 with the win, which was their seventh straight at home dating back to last season. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.4 runs on average over those games. As for Maine South, the win was their first at home , bumping their record up to 3-4.
York's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's contest. The Dukes have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Maine South, though, as they've been averaging only 1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will York continue to outrun the ball?
York came out on top in a nail-biter against Maine South in their previous matchup back in March of 2024, sneaking past 9-8. Do the Dukes have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Hawks turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
