The Hernando Leopards will challenge the Crystal River Pirates at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Hernando is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.5 runs per game this season.
Hernando is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Wednesday. They walked away with an 8-4 win over Nature Coast Tech. The victory was some much needed relief for the Leopards as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
Kaitlyn Carter spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and one unearned) runs on eight hits.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on LeAnna Clark, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, five RBI, and one double. She also put up a run, which was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Aubrey Knierim, who went 3-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Crystal River got themselves on the board against Dunnellon on Wednesday, but Dunnellon never followed suit. They walked away with a 5-0 win over the Tigers. The Pirates haven't had any issues with the Tigers recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive victory against them.
Brooklyn Tidwell was excellent, going 1-for-2 with one triple, one stolen base, and one run.
Hernando's record now sits at 14-9-1. As for Crystal River, their record is now 21-5.
Crystal River's pitching crew better be locked in on Thursday. Hernando hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.4 home runs per game. It's a different story for Crystal River, though, as they've been averaging only 0 home runs. Will they be able to keep Hernando in the park?
Hernando couldn't quite get it done against Crystal River in their previous matchup back in March as they fell 4-0. Can the Leopards avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
