The Hackensack Comets will challenge the Ridgefield Park Scarlets at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Hackensack is headed into the matchup having just suffered their biggest defeat since May 29, 2025 on Friday. They came up short against Pascack Valley, falling 15-3.
Hackensack saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Jason Bocio, who went 1-for-3 with one double and one RBI. Leifry Hernandez also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Meanwhile, Ridgefield Park waltzed into their game on Friday with four straight wins... but they left with five. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 5-4 W against the Thunderbirds.
Ryan Lewis was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over six innings while giving up just two earned runs off nine hits. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in April of 2025. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with one stolen base and one run. He has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times he's played.
In other pitching news, Ryan Fowler looked comfortable as he tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Justin Maldonado, who went 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, three RBI, and one run. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2025. Another player making a difference was Jason Alvarado, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double.
Hackensack's loss dropped their record down to 5-3. As for Ridgefield Park, their win bumped their record up to 7-2.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Saturday as neither team is afraid to steal. Hackensack has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Ridgefield Park struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 5.1 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Hackensack came out on top in a nail-biter against Ridgefield Park in their previous matchup back in May of 2023, sneaking past 7-6. Do the Comets have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Scarlets turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
