Winter Haven is 0-10 against Lake Wales since March of 2019 but things could change on Wednesday. The Blue Devils are taking a road trip to face off against the Highlanders at 7:00 p.m. Winter Haven will be strutting in after a victory while Lake Wales will be coming in after a defeat.
Winter Haven was handed a 13-run loss in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Tuesday. They narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past Hardee 9-7. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since March 30, 2021, but that streak is no more.
Makiah McPhee
| 04/22/25 @ Hardee | 3 |
| 04/16/25 vs Lake Gibson | 1 |
| 04/04/25 vs Sebring | 1 |
| 04/03/25 @ Auburndale | 1 |
| 03/10/25 vs Lakeland | 1 |
Makiah McPhee was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits. McPhee was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with three RBI and one stolen base. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Stephanie Dye, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one double. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Reagan Barrett, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and three runs.
Lake Region hit Lake Wales with a six-run seventh inning on Tuesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Highlanders came up short against the Thunder, falling 8-2. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Highlanders have suffered since February 23, 2024.
Anna Conroy spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and seven unearned) runs on eight hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Keira Davis was cooking despite her team's loss, going 3-for-4 with one triple and one run.
Winter Haven's victory ended a nine-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 4-15. As for Lake Wales, with the loss, they broke their three-game winning streak and moved their record to 12-8.
Winter Haven suffered a grim 18-0 defeat to Lake Wales in their previous meeting back in February. Can the Blue Devils avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
