Softball Recap: Winter Haven's Win Ends Nine-Game Losing Streak on the Road

Blue Devils

Previous 5 Games

04/22/25 @ Hardee	9-7
04/18/25 @ Lake Placid	0-13
04/16/25 vs Lake Gibson	6-20
04/08/25 vs George Jenkins	1-19
04/04/25 vs Sebring	2-1

Winter Haven had lost nine games on the road dating back to last season, but after bumping their record up to 4-15 on Tuesday that streak is in the rearview. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past the Hardee Wildcats 9-7. For the Blue Devils, this counts as revenge for the 11-7 win the Wildcats walked away with the last time they faced one another back in April of 2024.

Makiah McPhee was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she pitched five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits. McPhee was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with three RBI and one stolen base. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Stephanie Dye was incredible, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one double. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Reagan Barrett, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and three runs.

As for Hardee, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost six of their last seven contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 5-15 record this season. Those defeats can't be blamed on the team's hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 6.7 runs over those games.

On Hardee's side, they got a big performance out of Mikayla Silva, who went 2-for-5 with two stolen bases and three runs. Bella Badillo was another key player, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with one run, one double, and one RBI.

Looking ahead, Winter Haven will face off against Lake Wales at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The Blue Devils' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Highlanders have averaged an impressive 6.2 runs per game this season. As for Hardee, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Bartow at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The Yellow Jackets' pitching crew has only allowed 3.7 runs per game this season, so the Wildcats' hitters will have their work cut out for them.