Rickards is on a four-game streak of home losses, and Bay an eight-game streak of away losses dating back to last season. However, someone's due for a change in luck on Thursday. The Rickards Raiders will host the Bay Tornadoes at 6:00 p.m. Rickards has given up an average of 12.7 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Rickards is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They blew past Jefferson County 28-12 on Wednesday. The win was some much needed relief for the Raiders as it spelled an end to their six-game losing streak.
Zamiah Palmer
| 04/15/26 @ Jefferson County | 6 |
| 02/27/25 vs Rutherford | 5 |
| 02/25/25 vs FAMU DRS | 3 |
| 04/09/26 vs Taylor County | 2 |
| 04/02/26 vs Wakulla Christian School | 2 |
Jaliya Conyers and Zamiah Palmer did most of the damage at the plate: Conyers went a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, three stolen bases, and four runs, while Palmer went 3-for-4 with six RBI, four runs, and two doubles. Those six RBI gave Palmer a new career-high. Ambriell Nelson was another key player, going 1-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Rickards was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .417. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Jefferson County only posted a batting average of .231.
Meanwhile, Tuesday just wasn't the day for Bay's offense. They came up short against Rocky Bayou Christian on Tuesday, falling 15-0. Having soared to a lofty 17 runs in the game before, the Tornadoes' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Rickards' victory bumped their record up to 5-12. As for Bay, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-12.
Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Rickards has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .497. However, it's not like Bay struggles in that department as they've averaged .534. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Rickards' way against Bay in their previous matchup back in February, as Rickards made off with a 22-3 win. Will the Raiders repeat their success, or do the Tornadoes have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
