Hanover Central defeated Portage 7–1 in a non‑conference baseball matchup behind a five‑run third inning that broke the game open.
The battle unfolded on April 23 at Hanover Central’s brand‑new turf baseball field, which officially opened that same day.
Portage struck first with a run in the opening frame, but Hanover Central immediately answered with two runs in the second before erupting for five more in the third. The Wildcats collected 11 hits. Defensively, Hanover was sharp, committing just one error and turning a double play. Portage managed only four hits and struck out six times, unable to generate momentum after its early lead.
Dylan Bowen delivered a sharp all‑around performance, finishing with a 1.000 fielding percentage, recording four putouts, and helping anchor Hanover Central’s defense with a clean, error‑free day. He also added a sacrifice fly, contributing to the Wildcats’ steady offensive pressure.
Up next, Hanover Central travels to Ozinga Field for a tournament matchup against Lemont on Wednesday, April 29, at 3:45 p.m. The Wildcats will look to carry their offensive rhythm and clean defensive play into the neutral‑site contest.
The last time Hanover Central and Lemont met was on May 18, 2024, in DISW Round 4, where Lemont edged the Wildcats 7–6 in a tight, neutral‑site tournament battle.
