Harding hasn't had much luck against Madison recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Skippers will welcome the Blue Streaks at 4:30 p.m. Harding has given up an average of 10.1 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Harding is headed into Monday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fifth straight game on Saturday. They came up short against Mathews, falling 11-1.
Harding saw six different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Elijah Harless, who went 1-for-3 with one run. Ethan Psenak also deserves some recognition as he got his first hit of the season.
Meanwhile, Madison waltzed into their game on Saturday with three straight wins... but they left with four. They were the clear victors by a 12-5 margin over the Dragons. 12 seems to be a good number for the Blue Streaks as the team scooped up a win with the same number of runs in their previous game.
Ben Amos made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over six innings while giving up four earned runs off five hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, earning one RBI, two runs, and three stolen bases.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on NathaN YarNell, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. That's the most runs he has posted over his last nine matchups. Eddy Gvora was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Madison kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Lakeside only managed six hits.
Madison's victory was their eighth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 12-3. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.5 runs over those games. As for Harding, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-14.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Harding has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.4 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Madison struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Harding might still be hurting after the 18-3 loss they got from Madison in their previous meeting on Thursday. Will the Skippers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
