The Lake Region Thunder will head out on the road to take on the Lake Wales Highlanders at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Lake Region 1.4, Lake Wales 3.8) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Lake Region had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the eight-run drubbing they dealt Mulberry on Monday. The Thunder were the clear victors by an 8-0 margin over the Panthers. The Thunder might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 12 contests by six runs or more this season.
Kailyn Reeder and Makenna Meadows made a splash while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Reeder didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out six over four innings pitched. Meanwhile, Meadows pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Reeder has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in seven consecutive appearances. At bat, Reeder went 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Meadows went 1-for-4 with two runs and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Bailee Ellis, who went 2-for-4 with three runs, three RBI, and one triple. She continues to improve, besting her previous run total in each of the last three games she's played. Margaret Jenkins was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one run.
The scorekeeper got an easy start on Friday as neither Lake Wales nor Inspiration Academy made it on the board until the eighth inning. The Highlanders came out on top in a nail-biter against the Lions, sneaking past 2-1. Winning may never get old, but the Highlanders sure are getting used to it with their third in a row.
Anna Conroy spent all eight innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on two hits and racked up seven Ks.
On the hitting side, Lake Wales' victory was truly a team effort as four different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Johalis Rivera-Colon, who went 1-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
Lake Region pushed their record up to 21-3 with the win, which was their ninth straight at home. As for Lake Wales, their record is now 12-7.
Lake Region's speedy runners might be the difference in Tuesday's match. The Thunder have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.2 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Lake Wales, though, as they've been averaging only 1.4 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Lake Region continue to outrun the ball?
Lake Region skirted past Lake Wales 2-1 in their previous meeting back in March. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Thunder since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
