Benzie Central had lost five straight at home, but on Thursday they dropped down to 6-12 to make it six. They lost 22-1 to the St. Francis Gladiators. The result was an unpleasant reminder to the Huskies of the 13-2 loss they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in May of 2024.
As for St. Francis, their record is now 15-2. They might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 13 games by seven runs or more this season.
For St. Francis' part, Braxton Lesinski and Tyler Thompson were major factors no matter where they played. Throwing, Lesinski tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Thompson tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Lesinski has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two hits in five consecutive appearances. At bat, Lesinski went 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs, while Thompson went 3-for-4 with three runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. That home run marked the first that Lesinski has launched this season.
In other pitching news, Tyler Endres looked comfortable as he tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, St. Francis let Sam Wildfong and John St. Peter run wild. Wildfong went 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI, while St. Peter went 3-for-5 with two triples, three runs, and one stolen base. St. Peter also hit a double, marking his first of the season. Colton Peterson was another key player, going 3-for-4 with three doubles, two runs, and one RBI.
When Benzie Central and St. Francis next hit the field, they'll be up against teams who recently just can't seem to lose. The Huskies will square off against Clare and their three-game winning streak on Saturday. Meanwhile, St. Francis will try to stop Sacred Heart Academy's four-game winning streak when they meet at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (the Gladiators 2.2, the Irish 2.2) so any runs scored will be well earned.
