The Hillcrest Academy Ravens baseball team is set to square off against the Lone Tree Lions in the Area Baseball Game of the Week, a matchup that promises a showdown of contrasting fortunes on the diamond.
The game will be aired live on AM 1380, FM 102.5, the KCII2 App and online at KCIIRadio.com, with a pregame show kicking off at 5:30 p.m. before the first pitch at 6 p.m. from Kalona, Iowa.
Ravens’ offensive firepower
Hillcrest enters the contest with a season batting average of .273, having compiled 119 runs on 105 hits. Leading the charge is sophomore Rowan Miller, who tops the lineup with 20 hits, a .455 average, a .590 on‑base percentage and a .727 slugging percentage.
The Ravens’ pitching staff, while not dominant, holds an ERA of 5.44 and a WHIP of 1.92. Veterans Lawson Schrock and Ethan Yoder each have earned two wins this season, providing a modest boost to the rotation.
A historic edge
Hillcrest enjoys a commanding edge in the all‑time series, leading 24‑9 and riding a nine‑game winning streak against the Lions. That historical dominance adds a layer of narrative intrigue to the upcoming contest.
Lions’ struggle for offense
The Lone Tree Lions, by contrast, are grappling with a .149 team batting average, 29 runs and just 39 hits across the season. Their top hitter, Kort Kemp, has managed 12 hits and a .333 average, but the lineup lacks depth.
Pitching has been equally challenging for the Lions, posting an ERA of 13.26 and a WHIP of 3.33. Will Schweitzer is the only pitcher to record a win this year, highlighting the team’s difficulty in finding reliable arms.
Despite the odds, the Lions will look to capitalize on any momentum from their pregame energy and the home‑field familiarity of Kalona’s field. The broadcast will capture every moment for listeners across the region.
With the pregame show set to begin at 5:30 p.m., fans can tune in to AM 1380, FM 102.5, the KCII2 App or online at KCIIRadio.com to follow the action live. The first pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m., promising a night of baseball that could reshape the early season narrative for both squads.