Baseball Recap: Hilliard Has No Trouble Against St. John Lutheran

Hilliard's game on Thursday was a loss, but they didn't let that memory haunt them on Friday. They never let the St. John Lutheran Saints get on the board and left with an 11-0 win. That 11 run margin sets a new team best for the Red Flashes this season.

Conner Bayless

Batters Struck Out

03/28/25 @ St. John Lutheran	4
03/13/25 vs Episcopal School of Jacksonville	2
03/06/25 vs Baker County	2
02/27/25 @ Fernandina Beach	2
02/21/25 vs Charlton County	4

Conner Bayless made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowed only one hit over four innings pitched. What's more, he posted four strikeouts, the most he's had since back in February. He was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three runs. He has become a key player for Hilliard: the team is 2-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 2-12 otherwise.

In other batting news, Ethan Garland was a standout: he scored a run and stole two bases while going 1-for-2. He is becoming a predictor of Hilliard's success: when he posts at least two stolen bases the team is 2-1 (and 2-12 when he doesn't). Jacob Cooper was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.

Hilliard kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.

The victory snapped Hilliard's losing streak at three games and leaves them with a 4-13 record. As for St. John Lutheran, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 9-7.

Coming up, Hilliard will be playing in front of their home fans against Yulee at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. As for St. John Lutheran, they will venture away from home to square off against Bronson at 6:30 p.m. on Monday.