The Lee Park Prep Knights will head out to face off against the Alexander Christian Academy Crusaders at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Lee Park Prep lost a heartbreaker the last time they played Sheets Memorial Christian, but it's fair to say they got their revenge given the result of Monday's match. The Knights were the clear victors by a 7-1 margin over the Eagles on Monday. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Knights.
Isaiah Carpenter and Isaac Watkins did most of the damage at the plate: Carpenter got on base in all four of his plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI, while Watkins went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one double. That's the most RBI Watkins has posted since back in March of 2024. James Steele was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Alexander Christian Academy had already proven themselves in the regular season and they didn't miss a beat now that it's playoff time. They never let Gospel Light Christian get on the board and left with a 13-0 win on Tuesday. The victory was just business as usual for the Crusaders, who after 12 games remain undefeated this season.
Zach Davidson looked comfortable as he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out six over four innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one hit in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Alexander Christian Academy got a massive performance out of Emery Gonzalez, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Landyn Cupp, who went 1-for-2 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double.
Alexander Christian Academy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .391. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Gospel Light Christian only posted a batting average of .188.
The win was their first on the road , bumping their record up to 6-10. As for Alexander Christian Academy, their record now sits at 12-0.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Lee Park Prep has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Alexander Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 10.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
