The Franklin Academy Patriots will head out to challenge the Wake Christian Academy Bulldogs at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The two teams are strolling into their matchups after big wins in their previous games.
Franklin Academy will roll into the contest after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up two runs on Wednesday, then bounced right back against Wake Prep Academy on Thursday. The Patriots were the clear victors by a 12-6 margin over the Guardians. The Patriots' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Caleb Lantz was incredible, going 3-for-4 with three runs, three RBI, and one triple. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high. Jackson Denton also deserves some recognition as he hit his first triple of the season.
Franklin Academy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .375. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Wake Christian Academy entered their tilt with Harrells Christian Academy on Monday with three consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with four. They put the hurt on the Crusaders with a sharp 8-2 victory. The Bulldogs might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven games by six runs or more this season.
Brody Morris made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run over seven innings pitched. He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than one walk in five consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Grayson Durrant, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-4. Carter Collins was another key player, scoring a run while going 3-for-5.
Franklin Academy's record is now 4-8. As for Wake Christian Academy, their record now sits at 12-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Franklin Academy has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Wake Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Franklin Academy couldn't quite get it done against Wake Christian Academy in their previous matchup back in February as they fell 4-1. Can the Patriots avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
