Elkhart Christian Academy hasn't had much luck against Lakeland recently, but that could start to change on Saturday. The Eagles will be playing in front of their home fans against the Lakers at 10:00 a.m. Elkhart Christian Academy is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.6 runs per game this season.
Fans were treated to a battle of the Eagles on Friday. Elkhart Christian Academy narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past South Shore Homeschool Athletics 9-7.
Hayden Castro
| 05/03/25 vs Non Varsity Opponent | 3 |
| 04/18/25 vs South Bend Career Academy | 3 |
| 05/23/25 vs South Shore Homeschool Athletics | 2 |
| 05/16/25 vs Hamilton | 2 |
| 05/12/25 @ Hamilton | 2 |
| + 6 more games |
Hayden Castro was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over six innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits. Castro was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases and three runs. Elkhart Christian Academy is undefeated when Castro posts two or more stolen bases, but 0-16 otherwise.
In other batting news, Elkhart Christian Academy got a big performance out of Liam Elkins, who got on base in two of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases, two RBI, and one run. That's the most stolen bases Elkins has posted over his last 11 games. Gray Reynolds was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one run.
Elkhart Christian Academy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .433. They are 5-2 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Lakeland entered their tilt with Garrett on Thursday with six consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with seven. They were the clear victors by a 17-2 margin over the Railroaders. The result was nothing new for the Lakers, who have now won 11 matchups by eight runs or more so far this season.
Garrett Pieri made a big impact no matter where he played. He tossed five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. He has been consistent for a while: he hasn't given up more than two walks in 11 consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Keyan Arroyo, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Brayden Holbrook, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Lakeland pushed their record up to 22-4 with the win, which was their fifth straight at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.2 runs over those games. As for Elkhart Christian Academy, their win bumped their record up to 6-16.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Saturday as neither team is afraid to steal. Elkhart Christian Academy has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.1 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Lakeland struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.7 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Elkhart Christian Academy might still be hurting after the 18-8 defeat they got from Lakeland when the teams last played back in March of 2024. Will the Eagles have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
