The Lake Placid Dragons will face off against the Avon Park Red Devils at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Lake Placid is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.1 runs per game this season.
Lake Placid lost a heartbreaker the last time they played Winter Haven, but it's fair to say they got their revenge given the result of Friday's match. The Dragons' pitchers stepped up to hand the Blue Devils a 13-0 shutout on Friday. The result was nothing new for the Dragons, who have now won nine games by six runs or more so far this season.
Emily Tharp
| 04/18/25 vs Winter Haven | 4 |
| 04/08/25 @ Jensen Beach | 2 |
| 04/01/25 @ Lakewood Ranch | 2 |
| 03/31/25 vs Clewiston | 2 |
| 03/28/25 vs Okeechobee | 2 |
Kaylee Grigsby and Emily Tharp made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Grigsby tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Tharp pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances. At bat, Grigsby went a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI, one triple, and one stolen base, while Tharp went a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double. Those four hits gave Tharp a new career-high.
In other batting news, Jillian Garduno was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one double. Those three stolen bases gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Hadlee Prescott, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI.
Lake Placid always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .667. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Winter Haven only posted an OBP of .211.
Meanwhile, Avon Park entered their tilt with Sebring on Monday with three consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with four. They came out on top in a nail-biter against the Blue Streaks, sneaking past 7-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Red Devils have posted since March 4th.
Paisley Macias spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and two unearned) runs on five hits.
On the hitting side, Kamya Brassell was incredible, going 2-for-4 with three stolen bases, three runs, and one triple. Skylar Hicks was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one stolen base and two RBI.
Avon Park's victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 12-8. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.7 runs on average over those games. As for Lake Placid, the victory got them back to even at 11-11.
Tuesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Lake Placid has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .466. However, it's not like Avon Park struggles in that department as they've averaged .461. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Lake Placid suffered a grim 9-0 defeat to Avon Park in their previous meeting back in March. Will the Dragons have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
