The Columbia Tigers will face off against the North Florida Christian Eagles at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. The last three games Columbia has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
On Friday, Columbia narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past Flagler Palm Coast 3-1.
Bynton Edge spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on one hit and racked up eight Ks.
At the plate, Logan Brooks was excellent, going 1-for-3 with three stolen bases and one RBI. Those three stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Trayce McKenzie was another key player, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 1-for-3.
Columbia hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Flagler Palm Coast struck out eight times.
The home team had come away the winner the last four times North Florida Christian and Leon had met, but sadly for the fans who attended this one that wasn't the case. The Eagles fell 8-3 to the Lions on Friday. Eagles fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Lions since on Friday.
Jace Riggan was huge no matter where he played even without the win. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over five innings while giving up four earned runs off six hits (and only one walk). He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in ten consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, one double, and one RBI. He is becoming a predictor of North Florida Christian's success: when he posts at least two stolen bases the team is 2-1 (and 6-11 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Jimmy Meeks made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-4 with one home run.
North Florida Christian's loss dropped their record down to 8-12. As for Columbia, their victory bumped their record up to 12-8.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Saturday as neither team is afraid to steal. Columbia has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like North Florida Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Columbia skirted past North Florida Christian 8-6 in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Will the Tigers repeat their success, or do the Eagles have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
