The IMG Academy Gold Ascenders will take on The Villages Charter Buffalo at 6:30 p.m. on Friday.
IMG Academy Gold is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to ten runs on Tuesday, they were much more limited against Out-of-Door Academy on Thursday. They fell just short of the Thunder by a score of 4-2. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Ascenders have suffered since April 17, 2024.
Kevin Brinkworth
| 02/28/25 @ Rockledge | 4 |
| 03/12/25 @ Parrish Community | 3 |
| 02/10/25 @ Cardinal Mooney | 3 |
| 03/05/25 vs Sunshine State Elite Academy | 2 |
| 03/20/25 vs Out-of-Door Academy | 1 |
IMG Academy Gold got a good showing from Kevin Brinkworth, who tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Brinkworth also tossed a walk, which is notable because IMG Academy Gold is 3-1 when he allows at most two walks, but 4-5 otherwise.
On the hitting side, Bennett Burke was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one home run and one double. That home run marked the first that he launched this season. Another player making a difference was Ryan Williams, who went 2-for-3 with one triple and one run.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask The Villages Charter). Everything went their way against Leesburg on Thursday as The Villages Charter made off with a 20-3 win. The victory continues a trend for the Buffalo in their matchups with the Yellow Jackets: they've now won seven in a row.
Cohen Smith looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, he posted two strikeouts, the most he's had since back in February.
At the plate, Torin Foley was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, four runs, and two stolen bases. The dominant performance gave him a new career-high in runs. Logan Godwin was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing Two bases. while going 2-for-2.
The Villages Charter always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .657. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
IMG Academy Gold has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 7-6 record this season. The Villages Charter's win bumped their record up to 11-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. IMG Academy Gold has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like The Villages Charter struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
