The American Patriots will challenge the Key West Conchs at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. American is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.6 runs per game this season.
Key West will be up against a hot American squad: the team just extended their winning streak to three. The Patriots walked away with an 8-3 win over Ferguson on Thursday.
Jamerikal Darden
| 04/03/25 vs Ferguson | 9 |
| 03/17/25 vs Somerset Academy | 7 |
| 04/02/25 @ Hialeah Gardens | 6 |
| 02/20/25 vs Hialeah | 6 |
| 03/06/25 vs Goleman | 5 |
Jamerikal Darden was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off three hits. Those nine strikeouts gave her a new career-high. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and one triple.
American hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least four batters in three consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Key West). They were the clear victors by a 20-5 margin over Mater Bay Academy on Wednesday. The result was nothing new for the Conchs, who have now won seven matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Brianna Brenner looked comfortable as she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit over four innings pitched. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 11 consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Tavyn Gage was a standout: she scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-6. The team also got some help courtesy of Kaleaya Dickerson, who scored three runs while getting on base in five of her six plate appearances.
Key West is on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five games. That's provided a nice bump to their 10-6 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.8 runs over those games. As for American, their win bumped their record up to 11-5.
American's speedy runners might be the difference in Saturday's contest. The Patriots have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 6.4 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Key West, though, as they've been averaging only 0.8 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will American continue to outrun the ball?
American suffered a grim 9-0 defeat to Key West when the teams last played back in February of 2019. Can the Patriots avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
