After having lost a blowout in their previous game against Coldwater, Harper Creek was happy to have turned things around on Friday. They had just enough and edged out the Portage Central Mustangs 8-6. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Beavers have posted since May 2nd.
Aleena Stahlhood spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered six earned runs on 11 hits and racked up seven Ks.
On the hitting side, Harper Creek let Kennedy Halverson and Sophie Kline run wild. Halverson went 3-for-5 with three runs, two doubles, and one triple, while Kline went 4-for-5 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. That's the most hits Kline has posted since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Kaylee Kirkpatrick, who went 3-for-5 with three RBI, two runs, and one double.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Harper Creek kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 16 hits. They are 12-3 when they post 11 or more hits.
Harper Creek's win bumped their record up to 16-11. As for Portage Central, their loss ended a four-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 13-7.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Harper Creek will face off against Wayland at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. As for Portage Central, they will square off against South Haven at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
