The North Fort Myers Red Knights will challenge the Charlotte Fightin' Tarpons at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The last three games North Fort Myers has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
North Fort Myers is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Thursday. They had just enough and edged out Gaither 7-6.
Kaliyah Williams spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and three unearned) runs on six hits and racked up seven Ks.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Mia Lane, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, six RBI, and one double. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in April of 2024. Audrie Florenzano was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two runs and one stolen base.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: North Fort Myers kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in ten consecutive games.
Mariner typically has all the answers at home, but on Thursday Charlotte proved too difficult a challenge. They came out on top against the Tritons by a score of 10-6. Charlotte's win was all the more impressive since the Tritons were averaging only 2.92 runs allowed on the season.
Dava Hoffer was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and four unearned) runs off six hits (and only one walk). Hoffer was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with three RBI, one run, and one double.
In other batting news, Nova Wharton was incredible, getting on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Haven Hickox, who went 3-for-5 with one stolen base and one run.
North Fort Myers is on a roll lately: they've won six of their last seven matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 18-7 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.9 runs over those games. As for Charlotte, their win ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 13-14.
Charlotte's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: North Fort Myers has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .465. It's a different story for Charlotte, though, as they've only averaged .338. Will they be able to contain North Fort Myers' hitters?
North Fort Myers skirted past Charlotte 5-4 when the teams last played last Tuesday. Will the Red Knights repeat their success, or do the Fightin' Tarpons have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
