The Northland Vikings will head out on the road to challenge the Eastmoor Academy Warriors at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
On Monday, Northland got the win against Marion-Franklin by a conclusive 18-10.
Dana Byrd
| 04/14/25 @ Columbus International | 3 |
| 04/21/25 @ Marion-Franklin | 2 |
| 04/15/25 vs East | 2 |
| 04/11/25 vs Beechcroft | 2 |
| 04/07/25 vs Linden-McKinley | 2 |
| + 3 more games |
Dana Byrd was incredible, going 3-for-4 with seven stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. He has become a key player for Northland: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 0-4-1 otherwise. Daymon Busby-Brantley was another key player, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
Northland always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .619. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Eastmoor Academy made easy work of Walnut Ridge on Wednesday and carried off a 15-4 victory. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Warriors.
Aayden Johnson and Darren Milligan made a big impact while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Johnson pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Milligan struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits (and not a single walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. At bat, Johnson got on base in all three of his plate appearances with three stolen bases and two runs, while Milligan got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases Johnson has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Mario Blount, who went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. Those three stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Damario Whitson, who went 1-for-2 with two runs and two RBI.
Northland has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 6-4-1 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.8 runs over those games. As for Eastmoor Academy, their victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 9-1.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Northland has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .503. However, it's not like Eastmoor Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .548. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Northland couldn't quite get it done against Eastmoor Academy in their previous matchup back in April of 2023 as they fell 14-9. Can the Vikings avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
