Two of the state's top offenses go head-to-head in a doubleheader on Thursday, but there's more to the matchup than the potential for high run totals. The lead in the Wright County Conference East Division could change hands.
New Prague, averaging 8.7 runs per game, has found its offensive stride recently, scoring 43 runs in winning its last four games.
The Trojans tallied 24 runs to sweep a doubleheader at division rival and defending Class 3A champion Waconia on May 10. Senior Jake Deutsch was a catalyst in a 13-3 victory in Game 1, finishing 3-for-3 at the plate, with a walk, a triple, a run scored and four RBI.
Those victories helped New Prague reach the top of the division standings, but the Trojans' position may be tenuous. The team hasn't been tested much this season, and most of their success has come against teams with a combined record of 10-21, leaving the Trojans with something to prove in a tough matchup this week.
Hutchinson (6-2, 4-1) enters the week leading all Class 3A schools with 8.9 runs per game this season.
Christian Kurth bats cleanup in the order and is in the center of the production. The junior went 5-for-7 during a doubleheader split with Delano on May 10. A similar performance on Thursday could help the Tigers sweep the Trojans and take the lead in the division standings with two weeks remaining in the regular season.