The Hiawatha Hawks will challenge the Harvest Christian Academy Lions at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Hiawatha has given up an average of 9.2 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Hiawatha is headed into Thursday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game on Tuesday. They lost 13-5 to Earlville. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Hawks have suffered against the Red Raiders since May 17, 2021.
Hiawatha saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Colby Wylde, who went 3-for-4 with one stolen base and two RBI.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Harvest Christian Academy). They blew past Walther Christian Academy 26-1 on Tuesday. Considering the Lions have won eight matchups by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Ryan St. Louis and Carter Goetz were major factors while hitting and pitching. On the mound, St. Louis struck out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and only one walk). Meanwhile, Goetz pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, he posted three strikeouts, the most he's had since back in April of 2024. At bat, St. Louis got on base in both of his plate appearances with two runs and one RBI, while Goetz got on base in both of his plate appearances with two RBI and one run. St. Louis is becoming a predictor of Harvest Christian Academy's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 8-9 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Jameson Rapinchuk was a standout: he went a perfect 2-for-2 with five RBI, one run, and one double. Those five RBI gave him a new career-high. Manny Gomez was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs, one double, and one RBI.
Harvest Christian Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .714. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Harvest Christian Academy has been performing well recently as they've won ten of their last 13 contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-9 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.2 runs on average over those games. As for Hiawatha, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-11.
Hiawatha took their victory against Harvest Christian Academy in their previous meeting back in May of 2015 by a conclusive 13-6 score. Will the Hawks repeat their success, or do the Lions have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
