IMG Academy is on a four-game streak of home wins, while The First Academy is on a six-game streak of away wins (dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The IMG Academy Ascenders will welcome The First Academy Royals at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
IMG Academy barely beat Braden River the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. IMG Academy never let Braden River get on the board and left with a 10-0 victory on Wednesday. The win continues a trend for the Ascenders in their matchups with the Pirates: they've now won three in a row.
Parker Jennings
| 03/05/25 vs Braden River | 1 |
| 02/17/25 vs Lakeland Christian | 2 |
| 02/12/25 vs Lakewood Ranch | 1 |
Parker Jennings tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run and allowed only one hit over five innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two hits any time he's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, Dean Moss was incredible, going 1-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI. That's the most runs he has posted since back in February of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Kelvyn Paulino, who scored a run while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances.
IMG Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .567. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .500 or higher in three consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, The First Academy won against Trinity Prep on Tuesday with 16 runs and they decided to stick to that run total again on Thursday. The First Academy put the hurt on Lake Highland Prep with a sharp 16-5 victory.
Josh Garcia looked comfortable as he didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over four innings pitched.
At the plate, Austin Pierzynski was a standout: he went 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Another player making a difference was Cannon Koronka, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs.
The First Academy is on a roll lately: they've won seven of their last eight contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-2 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.9 runs on average over those games. IMG Academy's win bumped their record up to 8-0.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. IMG Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .510. However, it's not like The First Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .486. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
IMG Academy came out on top in a nail-biter against The First Academy in their previous meeting on Friday, sneaking past 10-8. Does IMG Academy have another victory up their sleeve, or will The First Academy turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
