The Berkeley Prep Buccaneers will take on the Tampa Catholic Crusaders at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Berkeley Prep will be looking to extend their current five-game winning streak.
Berkeley Prep is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Wednesday. Their pitchers stepped up to hand Bishop McLaughlin Catholic a 5-0 shutout.
Josh Herrmann was incredible, going a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run and two RBI. Lucas Farrar was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Berkeley Prep hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least four batters in five consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, Tampa Catholic got the win against Carrollwood Day on Wednesday by a conclusive 8-2. The Crusaders might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won nine games by six runs or more this season.
Tampa Catholic also got a great performance from FINN FLUKER as he pitched 4.2 innings while giving up just two earned runs off six hits. FLUKER has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one walk in nine consecutive appearances.
At the plate, COLE BITMAN was a standout: he went 2-for-4 with one home run and three RBI. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of CHRISTIAN SERRALLES, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two RBI, one run, and one double.
Berkeley Prep's record now sits at 21-5. As for Tampa Catholic, their record is now an identical 21-5.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Berkeley Prep hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .330. However, it's not like Tampa Catholic struggles in that department as they've averaged .338. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Berkeley Prep came up short against Tampa Catholic in their previous matchup back in February, falling 11-7. Can the Buccaneers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
