Branford and Dixie County are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2018, but likely not for long. The Buccaneers will square off against the Bears at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Branford is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.4 runs per game this season.
Branford is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. They never let Fort White get on the board and left with a 5-0 victory. The Buccaneers haven't had any issues with the Indians recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.
Harleigh Price
| 04/28/26 vs Fort White | 2 |
| 03/27/26 @ Santa Fe | 1 |
| 03/24/26 @ Williston | 1 |
| 03/19/26 vs Suwannee | 1 |
| 02/24/26 @ Dixie County | 1 |
Harleigh Price made a splash no matter where she played. She kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 14 over seven innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two doubles and one RBI. Those two doubles gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Mallory Blue was incredible, going 1-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and one stolen base. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March. Hunter Revis was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base and one run.
Branford hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Fort White struck out 14 times.
Dixie County hadn't beaten Union County on the road since February 19, 2021 but that history sure didn't bother them on Tuesday. The Bears won by a run and slipped past the Fighting Tigers 6-5.
Skyliar Love was a standout: she went 3-for-5 with one run, one double, and one RBI. Ari Yarrell also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
Branford's record is now 17-8. As for Dixie County, their record now sits at 7-14.
Dixie County's hitters will have their work cut out for them on Thursday. Branford has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.9 strikeouts per game. It's a different story for Dixie County, though, as they've been averaging only 2.4 strikeouts. Will Branford keep running through batters, or will the Bears buck the trend?
Branford got the 'W' when the teams last played back in March against Dixie County by a conclusive 11-1 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Buccaneers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
