The Hardee Wildcats will challenge the Winter Haven Blue Devils at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Hardee has given up an average of 10.8 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Hardee came into this matchup off a tough 17-run defeat on Tuesday. This time they kept things ultra-competitive, but unfortunately the final result was the same. They fell just short of Manatee by a score of 11-9 on Thursday. The Wildcats have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Jodi Salas
| 04/17/25 @ Manatee | 2 |
| 04/15/25 vs Lake Wales | 1 |
| 04/14/25 vs Port Charlotte | 2 |
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 consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, 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. Yareli Duarte was another key player, going 1-for-4 with two runs.
Meanwhile, Winter Haven fell victim to Lake Placid and their airtight pitching crew on Friday. They came up short against the Dragons, falling 13-0. The Blue Devils' loss continues a trend for the squad, making it three in a row.
Winter Haven's defeat dropped their record down to 3-15. As for Hardee, their loss dropped their record down to 5-14.
Winter Haven's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Hardee hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .312. It's a different story for Winter Haven, though, as they've only averaged .207. Will they be able to contain Hardee's hitters?
Hardee beat Winter Haven 11-7 when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Do the Wildcats have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Blue Devils turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
