Eustis is on a six-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while Lake Minneola is on a five-game streak of away wins (also dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Eustis Panthers will welcome the Lake Minneola Hawks at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Eustis' pitching crew has only allowed 1.8 runs per game this season, so Lake Minneola's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
If Eustis beats Lake Minneola with nine runs on Friday, it's going to be the squad's new lucky number: they've won their past two games with that exact score. Everything went Eustis' way against Seminole on Wednesday as Eustis made off with a 9-1 win.
Sean Griffin spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on six hits and racked up six Ks. What's more, he also gave up only zero walks, the fewest he's had since back in March of 2024.
On the hitting side, Couper Gatch and Andrew Walker did most of the damage at the plate: Gatch scored two runs and stole two bases while getting on base in two of his three plate appearances, while Walker scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-3. Walker also put up a stolen base, which washis first of the season. Ethan Jackson was another key player, scoring a run while going 1-for-4.
Meanwhile, it was a Battle of the Birds when Lake Minneola duked it out with Montverde Academy on Wednesday. Lake Minneola lost 16-8 to Montverde Academy. The defeat continues a trend for the Hawks in their matchups with the Eagles: they've now lost four in a row.
Lake Minneola also got a good showing from RJ Martell, who tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits.
At the plate, Tyler Pierre and Chase Dougherty stepped up to the plate in a big way. Pierre scored a run while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances, while Dougherty scored a run while going 3-for-4. The dominant performance also gave Dougherty a new career-high in hits (three).
Lake Minneola's loss dropped their record down to 1-1. As for Eustis, their victory bumped their record up to 4-0.
Eustis came up short against Lake Minneola in their previous matchup back in February of 2024, falling 12-7. Will Eustis have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
