Softball Game Preview: Winter Haven Blue Devils vs. Hardee Wildcats

The Winter Haven Blue Devils will head out to take on the Hardee Wildcats at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Winter Haven is coming into the match on a three-game losing streak.

Winter Haven managed to slip by Lake Placid the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Blue Devils came up short against the Dragons on Friday, falling 13-0.

Hardee couldn't beat Manatee on Thursday even though they stacked six runs on them in the seventh inning. The Wildcats fell just short of the Hurricanes by a score of 11-9. The Wildcats have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Hardee got a good showing from Jodi Salas, who struck out seven batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and four unearned) runs off six hits. Salas has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.

On the hitting side, Sugar Blas and Bella Badillo did some serious damage despite the final result: Blas went 2-for-3 with two doubles, one stolen base, and two RBI, while Badillo went 1-for-3 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Yareli Duarte, who went 1-for-4 with two runs.

Hardee's loss dropped their record down to 5-14. As for Winter Haven, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-15.

Winter Haven couldn't quite get it done against Hardee in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 as they fell 11-7. Can the Blue Devils avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.