The Providence School Stallions are taking a road trip to square off against the Episcopal School of Jacksonville Eagles at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Providence School is coming into the matchup on a three-game losing streak.
Providence School fought the good fight in their extra-innings contest against Bartram Trail on Tuesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Bears by a score of 7-6.
Luke Manderson made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. That's the most runs he has posted since March 1st. Preston Ricchini also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Meanwhile, Episcopal School of Jacksonville came out on top against First Coast on Monday by a score of 9-4 (the very same score they lost by in their prior game).
Matthew Devine made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring three runs while going 2-for-3.
In other pitching news, Kevin Sullivan looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up a single hit in three consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Gehrig Severidt, who scored a run and stole a base while going 3-for-3.
Episcopal School of Jacksonville was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as First Coast only posted a batting average of .167.
Episcopal School of Jacksonville's record is now 14-4. As for Providence School, their loss dropped their record down to 11-7.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Providence School has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.4 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Episcopal School of Jacksonville struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
