Plant City hasn't had much luck against Sumner recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Raiders will take on the Stingrays at 7:00 p.m. Plant City's pitching crew has only allowed 3.8 runs per game this season, so Sumner's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Plant City's pitching crew heads into the game hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Tuesday. They blew past Spoto 16-0. The result was nothing new for the Raiders, who have now won ten matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Kayleigh Gibbs
| 04/01/25 vs Spoto | 7 |
| 03/27/25 vs Brandon | 6 |
| 03/14/25 @ Auburndale | 2 |
| 03/08/25 vs Armwood | 5 |
| 03/06/25 @ Brandon | 5 |
| 02/25/25 @ Spoto | 7 |
Kayleigh Gibbs made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in February. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. That home run was her first of the season.
In other batting news, Samantha Raines was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three stolen bases, and three runs. What's more, she posted four RBI, the most she's had since back in March. Kyleigh Meiers was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-2.
Plant City always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .739. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Spoto only posted an OBP of .357.
Meanwhile, Sumner posted their closest win since April 2, 2024 on Wednesday. They had just enough and edged out Cypress Creek 4-3.
Aliyanis Stubbs spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and two unearned) runs on nine hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Jaelyn Joiner, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 1-for-3. The team also got some help courtesy of Karlee Salisbury, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Plant City has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four contests. That lines up perfectly with their 12-4 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.3 runs on average over those games. As for Sumner, their record now sits at 10-8.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Plant City hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .436. However, it's not like Sumner struggles in that department as they've averaged .348. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Plant City might still be hurting after the 9-0 defeat they got from Sumner in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Can the Raiders avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
