The Master's Academy Lions are taking a road trip to challenge the Bethel Christian Academy Crusaders at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The Master's Academy knows how to get runs on the board -- the team has finished with ten runs or more in their past three contests -- so hopefully Bethel Christian Academy likes a good challenge.
If The Master's Academy beats Bethel Christian Academy with 13 runs on Friday, it's going to be the squad's new lucky number: they've won their past two matches with that exact score. The Lions blew past Lake Lure Classical Academy 13-5 on Tuesday. The Lions might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven games by six runs or more this season.
Sawyer Waugh and Bear LaSelle made a splash no matter where they played. On the mound, Waugh kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out nine over four innings pitched. Meanwhile, LaSelle tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Waugh has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. At bat, Waugh went 2-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI, while LaSelle went 2-for-3 with four RBI, two doubles, and one run. That's the most RBI LaSelle has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Noah Lail, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4. Liam Copley also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Meanwhile, Bethel Christian Academy came up short against Asheville T on Thursday and fell 10-5. The Crusaders haven't had much luck with the Trailblazers recently, as the team has come up short the last four times they've met.
Like The Master's Academy, Bethel Christian Academy also got a great game from a two-way player: Dylan Smith. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over five innings pitched. Smith was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Josh Silver was cooking despite his team's loss, going 3-for-4 with two RBI.
The Master's Academy has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-2 record this season. The team dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 10.2 runs. As for Bethel Christian Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 4-8.
Friday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. The Master's Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .466. However, it's not like Bethel Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .431. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went The Master's Academy's way against Bethel Christian Academy in their previous matchup two weeks ago, as The Master's Academy made off with a 12-2 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Lions since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
