Bradenton Christian is 0-6 against Canterbury since March of 2019 but things could change on Tuesday. The Panthers will square off against the Crusaders at 6:00 p.m. Bradenton Christian has given up an average of 9.7 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
It was a proper cat-fight when Bradenton Christian challenged Inspiration Academy on Monday. The Panthers came up short against the Lions, falling 11-2. The Panthers' loss continues a trend for the squad, making it three in a row.
Bradenton Christian saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Brenna Funderburke, who scored a run while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, Canterbury had to endure a four-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They came out on top against Indian Rocks Christian on Tuesday by a score of 12-2 (the very same score they lost by in their prior game). That ten run margin sets a new team best for the Crusaders this season.
Kaylah Berta was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off one hit (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one triple and two RBI. That triple was her first of the season.
In other batting news, Canterbury got a massive performance out of Kenzie Tucker, who scored three runs and stole five bases while going 2-for-3. That's the most runs Tucker has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Cali Baust, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-4.
Canterbury was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .393. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Indian Rocks Christian only posted a batting average of .062.
Bradenton Christian's defeat dropped their record down to 4-9. As for Canterbury, their record is now 5-11.
Bradenton Christian came up short against Canterbury in their previous meeting back in March, falling 8-4. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
