The Lehigh Lightning will face off against the North Fort Myers Red Knights at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The squads are rolling into the game with opposing streaks: Lehigh has struggled recently with five defeats in a row, while North Fort Myers will arrive with four straight wins.
Lehigh managed to slip by Ida Baker the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. Lehigh lost 14-1 to Ida Baker on Monday.
Meanwhile, North Fort Myers won against North Port on Thursday with 12 runs and they decided to stick to that run total again on Monday. North Fort Myers blew past Palmetto Ridge 12-5. The Red Knights might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five matchups by seven runs or more this season.
Matthew Blasena made a big impact no matter where he played. He struck out nine batters over five innings while giving up four earned (and one unearned) runs off six hits. He has been consistent : he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three doubles, one run, and one RBI. Those four hits gave him a new career-high.
In other pitching news, Payton Sturrup looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in eight consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Jakob Wagner, who went 3-for-5 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. He has become a key player for North Fort Myers: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 3-6 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Daniel Cuellarsola, who scored two runs and stole three bases.
North Fort Myers' victory bumped their record up to 8-6. As for Lehigh, their loss dropped their record down to 1-13.
Lehigh might still be hurting after the 10-0 defeat they got from North Fort Myers when the teams last played back in April of 2022. Will Lehigh 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 baseball content.
