The IMG Academy Black Ascenders will head out to face off against the Sebring Blue Streaks at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (IMG Academy Black 3.5, Sebring 1.8) so any runs scored will be well earned.
If IMG Academy Black beats Sebring with 16 runs on Thursday, it's going to be the squad's new lucky number: they've won their past two contests with that exact score. Everything went the Ascenders' way against Grove City on Saturday as they made off with a 16-3 win. The result was nothing new for the Ascenders, who have now won 12 matches by eight runs or more so far this season.
Bennett Jacobs looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one walk in seven consecutive appearances.
Frankie Thomas
| 03/29/25 vs Grove City | 6 |
| 03/21/25 vs Grissom | 5 |
| 03/21/25 vs Arrowhead Christian | 4 |
| 03/25/25 @ Dunedin | 3 |
| 03/11/25 vs Northside Christian | 3 |
At the plate, Frankie Thomas was incredible, firing off two home runs, six RBI, and four runs while going 4-for-5. Those six RBI gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Sebastian Wilson, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs.
IMG Academy Black kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 18 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in eight consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Sebring came tearing into Tuesday's contest with three straight wins , and they left with even more momentum. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Bloodhounds a 7-0 shutout. Give the Blue Streaks' pitching crew some credit: that's the team's third straight shutout.
Dalton Todd made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over seven innings pitched. Todd was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Blayne Humphrey, who went 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one double. That triple was his first of the season. Jett DeWitt was another key player, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.
IMG Academy Black pushed their record up to 16-2 with the victory, which was their 12th straight at home dating back to last season. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.3 runs on average over those games. As for Sebring, their record is now 15-4.
Sebring's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: IMG Academy Black hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .431. It's a different story for Sebring, though, as they've only averaged .207. Will they be able to contain IMG Academy Black's hitters?
IMG Academy Black was able to grind out a solid victory over Sebring in their previous matchup back in April of 2023, winning 6-2. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Ascenders since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
