Pace is a perfect 10-0 against Navarre since March of 2022 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Patriots will challenge the Raiders at 7:00 p.m. Pace is coming into the contest hot, having won their last seven games.
Pace is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand Oakleaf a 5-0 shutout.
Hannah DeMarcus
| 05/13/25 vs Oakleaf | 20 |
| 05/08/25 vs Fletcher | 14 |
| 05/01/25 vs Navarre | 14 |
| 04/29/25 vs Crestview | 18 |
| 04/23/25 vs Milton | 18 |
| + 18 more games |
The result came thanks to Hannah DeMarcus's shutout, as she gave up just three hits and racked up 20 Ks. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than ten strikeouts in 23 consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Abby McLean was incredible, going 1-for-3 with one home run and three RBI. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high. Ashley Pickard also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
Pace hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Oakleaf struck out 20 times.
Navarre came out on top against Horizon on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive seven-run third inning. The Raiders put the hurt on the Hawks with a sharp 13-4 victory. Considering the Raiders have won nine matchups by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
The team relied heavily on Renee Hester, who went 3-for-4 with three runs, four RBI, and one triple. Lily Weaver was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Navarre has been performing well recently as they've won nine of their last 12 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 15-9 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.7 runs on average over those games. As for Pace, their victory was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 22-3.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Pace hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .323. However, it's not like Navarre struggles in that department as they've averaged .319. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Pace beat Navarre 5-1 in their previous meeting two weeks ago. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Patriots since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
