The Pinecrest Academy Paladins will venture away from home to take on the Johnson Ferry Christian Academy Saints at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Pinecrest Academy has four straight victories, Johnson Ferry Christian Academy has eight straight defeats), but none of that matters once you're on the field.
While Pinecrest Academy didn't have the best season last year (they finished 7-10), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. Everything went their way against Cornerstone Prep Academy on Friday as Pinecrest Academy made off with a 12-2 win. That's two games straight that the Paladins have won by exactly ten runs.
Dominic Kellner and Charles Dodson made a big impact no matter where they played. Throwing, Kellner pitched two innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. Meanwhile, Dodson tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Kellner has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. At the plate, Kellner scored three runs while going 3-for-3, while Dodson scored two runs and stole a base while going 4-for-4. Dodson also hit a double, marking his first of the season.
In other batting news, Joseph Frain was incredible, going 1-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in February of 2024. Cooper Chupp also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Pinecrest Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .545. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Cornerstone Prep Academy only posted an OBP of .364.
Meanwhile, Johnson Ferry Christian Academy scored the most runs they've had this season on Thursday, but it wasn't enough. They lost 13-5 to Covenant Christian Academy.
Johnson Ferry Christian Academy also got a good showing from Cole Freeman, who tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits.
On the hitting side, Will Tucker made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. Mason West was another key player, scoring a run and stealing Two bases. while going 1-for-2.
Pinecrest Academy pushed their record up to 4-0 with the victory, which was their fourth straight at home dating back to last season. They've dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 10.8 runs. As for Johnson Ferry Christian Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 0-4.
Johnson Ferry Christian Academy's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Pinecrest Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .551. It's a different story for Johnson Ferry Christian Academy, though, as they've only averaged .311. Will they be able to contain Pinecrest Academy's hitters?
Everything went Pinecrest Academy's way against Johnson Ferry Christian Academy in their previous matchup last Thursday, as Pinecrest Academy made off with a 10-0 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for Pinecrest Academy since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
