Elkhart fought the good fight in their extra-innings match against Valparaiso on Friday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell 7-4 to the Valparaiso Vikings. Elkhart has struggled against Valparaiso recently, as their contest on Friday was their third consecutive lost matchup.
Brodey Weaver was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. On the mound, he tossed five innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits. Weaver was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.
Weaver wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Greg Guest, who went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI.
Like Elkhart, Valparaiso also got a great game from a two-way player: Adler Holtz. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over six innings while giving up three earned runs off seven hits (and not a single walk). Holtz has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive pitching appearances. Holtz was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and a double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Trent Gill, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4. Another player making a difference was Matthew Civanich, who scored a run and stole three bases.
Elkhart's defeat dropped their record down to 12-8. As for Valparaiso, the victory was the tenth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 17-2.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Elkhart will take on South Bend St. Joseph at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Elkhart is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.1 runs per game this season. As for Valparaiso, they will look to defend their home field on Monday against Highland at 4:30 p.m. Valparaiso will be looking to keep their six-game home win streak alive.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
