Chesterton is a perfect 10-0 against Merrillville since May of 2016 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Wednesday. The Trojans will host the Pirates at 4:30 p.m. Chesterton will aim to continue their six-game streak of scoring more runs each matchup than the last.
Chesterton barely beat Valparaiso the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Trojans put the hurt on the Vikings with a sharp 14-6 win on Tuesday. The result was nothing new for the Trojans, who have now won four games by eight runs or more so far this season.
Hannah Florian
| 04/22/25 @ Valparaiso | 3 |
| 04/19/25 @ Illiana Christian | 2 |
| 04/08/25 @ Michigan City | 2 |
| 05/14/24 vs Merrillville | 2 |
| 04/17/24 @ Merrillville | 2 |
Payton Cherep and Hannah Florian were major factors while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Cherep struck out six batters over six innings while giving up four earned (and two unearned) runs off 12 hits (and only one walk). Meanwhile, Florian pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs off one hit. At bat, Cherep went 3-for-5 with one home run, while Florian went 3-for-5 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI. Those three runs gave Florian a new career-high.
In other batting news, Jillienne Pittman was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season. Another player making a difference was Lexi Smith, who got on base in three of her five plate appearances with one home run and four RBI.
Chesterton kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 20 hits. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Merrillville fell victim to Lake Central and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They lost 14-0 to the Indians. Having soared to a lofty 17 runs in the game before, the Pirates' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Merrillville's loss was their fourth straight at home dating back to last season, which dropped their record down to 1-10. As for Chesterton, their victory bumped their record up to 4-5.
Merrillville's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Chesterton has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 8.7 hits per game. It's a different story for Merrillville, though, as they've been averaging 16.3 hits. Given Chesterton's sizable advantage in that area, the Pirates will need to find a way to close that gap.
Chesterton took their win against Merrillville in their previous meeting back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 16-5 score. Will the Trojans repeat their success, or do the Pirates have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
