The Hernando Leopards will head out on the road to face off against the Academy at the Lakes Wildcats at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Hernando's pitching crew has only allowed 2.9 runs per game this season, so Academy at the Lakes' hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Hernando is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They were the clear victors by a 21-2 margin over Bishop McLaughlin Catholic on Monday. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the team's high-flying offense, the game also marked the team's biggest win of the season.
Kaitlyn Carter made a splash no matter where she played. She pitched two innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring a run while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.
In other batting news, Hernando got a massive performance out of Ammarae Easton, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Miley Mayer also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen bases of the season.
Hernando was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .500. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Academy at the Lakes earned a 7-3 victory over Pasco on Tuesday.
Like Hernando, Academy at the Lakes also got a great game from a two-way player: Ella Picard. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over seven innings pitched. Picard was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Nola Reilly, who scored a run while going 2-for-4. Another player making a difference was Kiana Wright, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-4.
Hernando now has a winning record of 6-5. As for Academy at the Lakes, their win ended a five-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 3-5.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hernando has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .484. However, it's not like Academy at the Lakes struggles in that department as they've averaged .451. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hernando couldn't quite finish off Academy at the Lakes in their previous meeting back in March of 2024 and fell 3-1. Can Hernando avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
