Atlantic hasn't had much luck against Mount Dora recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Sharks will square off against the Hurricanes at 6:30 p.m. Atlantic's pitching crew has only allowed 3.6 runs per game this season, so Mount Dora's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Atlantic came into this matchup off a tough seven-run loss on Thursday. This time they kept things ultra-competitive, but unfortunately the final result was the same. They fell just short of University by a score of 4-2 on Wednesday. The Sharks just can't catch a break and have now endured three defeats in a row.
Jayden Lombardi was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run over six innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in 11 consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 2-for-2.
In other batting news, Cameron Mcarthur was cooking despite his team's loss, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one triple, one stolen base, and one RBI. That triple marked the first that he hit this season.
Meanwhile, Mount Dora unfortunately witnessed the end of their ten-game winning streak on Wednesday. They lost 14-3 to Bishop Moore. The pitching woes were uncharacteristic for the Hurricanes, who until this matchup were averaging 3.7 runs allowed.
Mount Dora saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Noah Macinness, who went 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Atlantic's record is now 12-7. As for Mount Dora, their record now sits at 16-7.
Atlantic's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's game. The Sharks have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Mount Dora, though, as they've been averaging only 1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Atlantic continue to outrun the ball?
Atlantic couldn't quite get it done against Mount Dora in their previous matchup back in March as they fell 10-5. Can the Sharks avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
