The Hernando Leopards are taking a road trip to challenge the Berkeley Prep Buccaneers at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Hernando is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.9 runs per game this season.
Hernando's usually-dominant pitching crew will be looking to make up for Tuesday's struggle, when South Sumter hitters got past them. The Leopards came up short against the Raiders on Tuesday, falling 11-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Leopards have suffered since February 18th.
Ariana Covell made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Berkeley Prep, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Wednesday. Their pitchers stepped up to hand Carrollwood Day a 10-0 shutout on Tuesday. The high-scoring effort was just what the Buccaneers needed considering they were shut out in their previous contest.
Mackenzie Crerand was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That's the most runs she has posted since back in February. Hannah Cronin also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
Berkeley Prep was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .385. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
This is the second loss in a row for Hernando and nudges their season record down to 13-8-1. As for Berkeley Prep, the win snapped their losing streak at four games and leaves them with a 11-9 record.
Hernando's speedy runners might be the difference in Wednesday's matchup. The Leopards have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.5 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Berkeley Prep, though, as they've been averaging only 0.6 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Hernando continue to outrun the ball?
Hernando suffered a grim 13-2 defeat to Berkeley Prep in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Can the Leopards avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
