Arnold has won three straight games at home, while North Bay Haven Academy has won three straight on the road, but those streaks won't matter much on Friday. The Marlins will welcome the Buccaneers at 6:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Arnold's pitching crew heads into the game hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Wednesday. They blew past Mosley 15-0.
Hayley Sexton
| 04/09/25 vs Mosley | 4 |
| 04/08/25 @ Marianna | 3 |
| 03/12/24 @ Bozeman | 3 |
| 03/07/25 vs South Lake | 2 |
| 03/07/25 vs Second Baptist | 2 |
The team relied heavily on Hayley Sexton, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and one double. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Kaylie Mellies, who went 2-for-3 with four RBI, one run, and one double.
Arnold always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .690. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, North Bay Haven Academy was not the first on the board last Tuesday, but they got there more often. They were the clear victors by a 14-3 margin over Bozeman. The Buccaneers have beaten the Bucks the last four times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Bucks has come to flipping the script.
Addison Mallon was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she pitched seven innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off eight hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in ten consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with three runs, three RBI, and one triple.
In other batting news, Bailee Gladden was incredible, going 3-for-4 with four runs, one triple, and two RBI. Kaylee Goodpaster was another key player, going 2-for-5 with five RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.
Arnold's win bumped their record up to 13-4. As for North Bay Haven Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 14-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Arnold has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like North Bay Haven Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 6.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Arnold might still be hurting after the 8-1 loss they got from North Bay Haven Academy when the teams last played back in March. Can the Marlins avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
