Hardee came into this matchup off a tough 17-run defeat on Tuesday. This time they kept things ultra-competitive, but unfortunately the final result was the same. They fell just short of the Manatee Hurricanes by a score of 11-9 on Thursday. The Wildcats were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Hurricanes earlier this season, when they won 10-6.

Jodi Salas
04/17/25 @ Manatee | 2 |
04/15/25 vs Lake Wales | 1 |
04/14/25 vs Port Charlotte | 2 |
Hardee got a good showing from Jodi Salas, who struck out seven batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and four unearned) runs off six hits. Salas has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Sugar Blas and Bella Badillo did some serious damage despite the final result: Blas went 2-for-3 with two doubles, one stolen base, and two RBI, while Badillo went 1-for-3 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. Elida Ramirez was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one run and one double.
Hardee has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost five of their last six contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 5-14 record this season. That patch can't be blamed on the team's hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 6.7 runs over those games. As for Manatee, their win ended a six-game drought at home and bumped them up to 5-14.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Hardee will welcome Winter Haven at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Manatee, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Port Charlotte at 7:00 p.m. on Monday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps