Baseball Game Preview: Nonnewaug Chiefs vs. Shepaug Valley Spartans

Nonnewaug and Shepaug Valley are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2021, but likely not for long. The Chiefs will take on the Spartans at 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Shepaug Valley took a loss in their last contest and will be looking to turn the tables on Nonnewaug, who comes in off a win.

Nonnewaug was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last match, but they sure didn't let that happen against Northwestern Regional on Tuesday. The Chiefs were the clear victors by an 11-2 margin over the Highlanders. Considering the Chiefs have won 11 games by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.

Owen Hustek

Runs

05/27/25 @ Northwestern Regional	2
05/14/25 @ Housatonic	2
05/12/25 vs Lakeview	2
05/07/25 @ Gilbert	2
04/23/25 @ Terryville	2
+ 9 more games

Nonnewaug let Scott Viveros and Owen Hustek run wild. Viveros went 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and one double, while Hustek went 1-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Hustek is becoming a predictor of Nonnewaug's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 6-7 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was R.J. Barksdale, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.

Nonnewaug hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Northwestern Regional struck out ten times.

Meanwhile, Shepaug Valley came up short against Bethel on Wednesday and fell 4-1. The defeat continues a trend for the Spartans in their meetings with the Wildcats: they've now lost four in a row.

Nonnewaug's record is now 14-7. As for Shepaug Valley, their loss dropped their record down to 16-4.

Wednesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Nonnewaug hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .321. However, it's not like Shepaug Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .324. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Nonnewaug couldn't quite get it done against Shepaug Valley when the teams last played two weeks ago as they fell 5-0. Can the Chiefs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.