vs
| 03/04/25 - Home | 7-0 W |
| 04/23/24 - Home | 2-1 W |
| 03/26/24 - Away | 6-1 W |
| 04/11/23 - Home | 3-1 W |
| 03/28/23 - Away | 3-2 W |
| + 5 more games |
Hardee is a perfect 10-0 against DeSoto County since February of 2021 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Wildcats will challenge the Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. Hardee's pitching crew has only allowed 3.5 runs per game this season, so DeSoto County's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Things were looking good for Hardee after they put the first points on the board on Friday, but unfortunately for them things went downhill from there. They fell 5-1 to Fort Meade. The Wildcats' loss signaled the end of their three-game winning streak.
Hardee had to settle for second despite strong performances on the mound from Jeremiah Cabrera and Wyatt Beattie Cabrera pitched three innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off two hits, while Beattie pitched four innings while giving up just two earned runs off six hits. Beattie has been consistent for a while: he hasn't given up more than two walks any time he's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, Leo Marrero was cooking despite his team's loss, going 1-for-3 with one home run.
Meanwhile, DeSoto County was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They lost 22-9 to Lemon Bay. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Bulldogs have suffered since March 7th.
DeSoto County saw seven different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Braden Deluca, who scored a run while going 3-for-3. Another was Logan Adkins, who scored two runs while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
DeSoto County's defeat dropped their record down to 6-14. As for Hardee, they now have a losing record of 8-9.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Hardee has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like DeSoto County struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Hardee took their win against DeSoto County in their previous meeting back in March by a conclusive 7-0 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Wildcats since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
