Baseball Game Preview: First Assembly Christian Crusaders vs. Harding Academy Lions

For the second straight game, First Assembly Christian will face off against Harding Academy. The Crusaders will take on the Lions at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Considering First Assembly Christian has lost four straight at home and Harding Academy four straight on the road, this one might come down to who's more desperate to change their momentum.

Having struggled with nine defeats in a row, First Assembly Christian turned things around against Harding Academy on Monday. They blew past the Lions 14-1. The Crusaders not only won on Monday, but they posted their biggest win since March 3rd.

Ryker Minor made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while getting on base in both of his plate appearances. He is becoming a predictor of First Assembly Christian's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 6-13-1 when he doesn't).

William Lee

Earned Runs

04/07/25 @ St. George's	6
03/10/25 vs Trinity Christian Academy	5
03/22/25 vs Althoff Catholic	4
03/25/25 vs Lausanne Collegiate	2
03/17/25 vs Millington Central	1

In other pitching news, William Lee looked comfortable as he tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has become a key player for First Assembly Christian: the team is 4-2 when he allows at most one earned run, but 4-12-1 otherwise.

Back at the plate, First Assembly Christian got a massive performance out of Christian Forrest, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-2. That's the most stolen bases Forrest has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Logan Furnas, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 1-for-1.

First Assembly Christian was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .556. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.

Harding Academy's loss dropped their record down to 1-9. As for First Assembly Christian, their win was their first in the district, bumping their district record up to 1-6 and their overall record up to 8-14-1.