Hardee extended their losing streak to three on Tuesday, dropping their season record down to 5-15 in the process. They were two runs away from ending the streak, but they lost a 9-7 heartbreaker at the hands of the Winter Haven Blue Devils. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since March 30, 2021, but that streak is no more.
Mikayla Silva stepped up to lead a balanced group of hitters: she went 2-for-5 with two stolen bases and three runs. Another player making a difference was Bella Badillo, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one run, one double, and one RBI.
As for Winter Haven, their victory ended a nine-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 4-15. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win they have posted against Hardee since February 16, 2019.
On Winter Haven's side, Makiah McPhee was a major factor no matter where she played. On the mound, she tossed five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits. McPhee was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with three RBI and one stolen base. Those three RBI gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Stephanie Dye, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one double. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Reagan Barrett, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and three runs.
Hardee and Winter Haven could both be facing uphill battles in their next games considering their disadvantage in the MaxPreps Florida Rankings. The Wildcats (ranked 343rd) will meet Bartow (ranked 20th) at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Winter Haven will square off against Lake Wales at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday with a big rank disadvantage (352 vs. 84).
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
