Hazel Park is on a three-game streak of home wins, while Fitzgerald is on a four-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Vikings will welcome the Spartans at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
On Wednesday, Hazel Park got the win against Clintondale by a conclusive 13-7. The win continues a trend for the Vikings in their matchups with the Dragons: they've now won six in a row.
Madison Platt (2027)
| 05/07/25 vs Clintondale | 13 |
| 04/21/25 @ Fitzgerald | 10 |
| 04/26/25 vs Renaissance | 8 |
| 04/29/25 vs Clawson | 7 |
| 04/16/25 @ Clintondale | 7 |
Madison Platt (2027) made a big impact no matter where she played. She struck out 13 batters over seven innings while giving up five earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits. Those 13 strikeouts gave her a new career-high. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. She has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times she's played.
In other batting news, Ryleigh Adams (2027) was a standout: she got on base in three of her four plate appearances with five stolen bases and three runs. Those five stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Ava Skinner (2029) was another key player, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with five stolen bases and one run.
Hazel Park hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least four batters in five consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, Fitzgerald hadn't done well against Sterling Heights recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Wednesday. The Spartans' pitcher stepped up to hand the Stallions a 17-0 shutout.
Aziya Marks and Taylor McCants did most of the damage at the plate: Marks got on base in all four of her plate appearances with three stolen bases and four runs, while McCants got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two stolen bases, three RBI, and one run. Another player making a difference was CaSaundra Smith, who went 1-for-4 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs.
Fitzgerald is on a roll lately: they've won six of their last eight contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 8-8 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.8 runs over those games. As for Hazel Park, the win got them back to even at 10-10.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Hazel Park hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .355. However, it's not like Fitzgerald struggles in that department as they've averaged .329. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hazel Park took their victory against Fitzgerald when the teams last played back in April by a conclusive 18-5 score. Do the Vikings have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Spartans turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
