The IMG Academy Navy Ascenders are taking a road trip to face off against the Countryside Cougars at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. IMG Academy Navy's pitching crew has only allowed 3.9 runs per game this season, so Countryside's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
On Tuesday, IMG Academy Navy made easy work of Sarasota Military Academy and carried off a 7-1 victory. Considering the Ascenders have won seven matches by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Jeffrey Nepa was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out seven over 4.1 innings pitched. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because IMG Academy Navy is 5-1 when he allows at most one earned run, but 7-8 otherwise. Nepa was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.
Joonho Song
| 04/08/25 vs Sarasota Military Academy | 2 |
| 03/29/25 vs First Baptist Academy | 2 |
| 03/28/25 @ Bradenton Christian | 2 |
| 03/07/25 vs Zephyrhills | 2 |
| 02/11/25 vs Central Pointe Christian Academy | 2 |
| + 6 more games |
In other batting news, Eduardo Abuchaibe Florez and Joonho Song did most of the damage at the plate: Abuchaibe Florez went 1-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI, while Song scored a run and stole two bases while going 1-for-3. IMG Academy Navy is undefeated when Song posts two or more stolen bases, but 7-9 otherwise. Grayson Veenendall also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Meanwhile, Countryside waltzed into their contest on Tuesday with four straight wins... but they left with five. They came out on top against the Raiders by a score of 5-2.
Ethan Hawkins looked comfortable as he tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two hits in ten consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Countryside's win was truly a team effort as seven different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Jaxson Contrino, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3. Another was Brody Sadlowski, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-3.
IMG Academy Navy's record now sits at 12-9. As for Countryside, their record is now 16-6.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Wednesday as neither team is afraid to steal. IMG Academy Navy has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.7 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Countryside struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.2 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
IMG Academy Navy came up short against Countryside when the teams last played two weeks ago, falling 5-1. Can the Ascenders avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
