Hanover Area hasn't had much luck against Lake-Lehman recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Hawkeyes will square off against the Knights at 4:45 p.m. Hanover Area has given up an average of 11 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Hanover Area is headed into Thursday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Tuesday. They lost 14-7 to Holy Redeemer.
Hanover Area got a big performance out of Ava Malcarne, who went 1-for-3 with three runs and one stolen base. Hannah Siene was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double.
Meanwhile, Lake-Lehman came tearing into Tuesday's game with seven straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 10.9 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They didn't even let MMI Preparatory School on the board, marking their second-straight 17-0 shutout. The Knights' pitching crew has been rock solid lately; the team hasn't given up a run in their last three contests.
Lake-Lehman got a massive performance out of Kaitlyn Brudnicki, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with five stolen bases, two runs, and one triple. Those five stolen bases gave Brudnicki a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Haylee Makarewicz, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs.
Lake-Lehman was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .769. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .324 or higher in eight consecutive matchups.
Lake-Lehman pushed their record up to 13-1 with the victory, which was their third straight at home. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.0 runs over those games. As for Hanover Area, their loss dropped their record down to 4-11.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hanover Area has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .458. However, it's not like Lake-Lehman struggles in that department as they've averaged .527. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hanover Area might still be hurting after the 10-0 defeat they got from Lake-Lehman in their previous matchup back in March. Can the Hawkeyes avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
