Baseball Recap: JT Mclaughlin Leads a Balanced Attack to Beat Merritt Island Christian

Two must be Master's Academy's lucky number: they beat Merritt Island Christian with that score not once but twice on Thursday. The Patriots didn't even let the Cougars on the board, marking the Patriots' second-straight 2-0 shutout. The Patriots haven't had any issues with the Cougars recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.

Nate Downey

Batters Struck Out

04/17/25 vs Merritt Island Christian	13
04/09/25 @ John Carroll Catholic	6
04/04/25 vs Keswick Christian	6
03/26/25 vs Westminster Academy	11
03/19/25 @ Gateway Charter	7
+ 2 more games

Merritt Island Christian's batters probably weren't too happy with Nate Downey, who pitched a no hitter and racked up 13 Ks (he gave up three walks). Downey has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Master's Academy's victory was truly a team effort as three different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was JT McLaughlin, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base and one run. That's the most hits McLaughlin has posted since back in March.

Master's Academy's win bumped their record up to 20-8. As for Merritt Island Christian, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-11 record this season.

Master's Academy wasted no time getting back out on the field and has already played their next matchup, a 10-0 loss against Brito on the 21st. Merritt Island Christian does not have any more games scheduled as of now.