vs
| 03/01/24 - Home | 1-0 W |
| 02/27/24 - Away | 0-2 L |
| 03/03/23 - Home | 6-4 W |
| 02/28/23 - Away | 6-5 W |
| 05/05/22 - Away | 2-4 L |
| + 5 more games |
Ida Baker and North Fort Myers are an even 5-5 against one another since March of 2021, but likely not for long. The Ida Baker Bulldogs will venture away from home to take on the North Fort Myers Red Knights at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Ida Baker will be strutting in after a victory while North Fort Myers will be coming in after a defeat.
Ida Baker gave up the first runs last Friday, but they didn't let that get them down. They came out on top against First Baptist Academy by a score of 7-3.
Brody Root made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out six batters over three innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits. Root was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 3-for-4.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Abdiel Ortiz, who scored two runs while going 2-for-4. Aiden Long also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Ida Baker kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, North Fort Myers was not able to break out of their rough patch on Monday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost an 8-7 heartbreaker at the hands of Fort Myers. That's two games in a row now that the Red Knights have lost by just one run.
Like Ida Baker, North Fort Myers also got a great game from a two-way player: Junior Tome. He pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, Tome posted two strikeouts, the most he's had since back in April of 2024. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 2-for-4.
In other batting news, Alejandro Velez Rodriguez was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring a run and stealing a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. Karter Long was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
Ida Baker's record is now 3-4. As for North Fort Myers, they now have a losing record of 4-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Ida Baker has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like North Fort Myers struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Ida Baker skirted past North Fort Myers 1-0 in their previous meeting back in March of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for Ida Baker since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
