DeSoto County dropped to 8-5 on Friday, ending the team's three-game streak of wins on the road. They fell just short of the Lakeland Dreadnaughts by a score of 7-6. The Bulldogs were not able to make up for their loss to the Dreadnaughts from their previous meeting back in February of 2025.
Abel Nedley made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. He also hit a double, marking his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Braden Deluca, who went 1-for-2 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
As for Lakeland, their victory was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 7-2. They've had to fight for that success though, as they only beat their opponents by an average of 5.4 runs across that stretch.
On Lakeland's side, MAX ESTROFF tossed a big game, tossing six innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. ESTROFF has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Brady Cover and WILL DARBY did most of the damage at the plate: Cover went 3-for-4 with four stolen bases and three runs, while DARBY went 3-for-4 with three RBI, two doubles, and one run. Those three hits gave DARBY a new career-high. Hunter Facey was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two RBI.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming contests. DeSoto County will face off against Frostproof at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Lakeland, they will challenge Lake Wales at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
