The Laurel Hill Hoboes will face off against the L.E.A.D. Academy Lions at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.
The home team had come away the winner the last four times Laurel Hill and Bethlehem had met, but sadly for the fans who attended this one that wasn't the case. The Hoboes fell just short of the Wildcats by a score of 9-8 on Monday. Hoboes fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Wildcats since on Monday.
Anthony Spera
| 04/07/25 vs Bethlehem | 2 |
| 04/07/25 vs Bethlehem | 3 |
| 04/04/25 vs Ponce De Leon | 1 |
| 04/03/25 vs Booker T. Washington | 1 |
Anthony Spera put in work no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out six batters over 3.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run but no hits. Those zero hits allowed gave him a new career-low. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-2. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last four games he's played.
In other batting news, Weston Graves made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored a run while going 1-for-2.
Meanwhile, L.E.A.D. Academy got the win against Gulf Pointe Latin on Tuesday by a conclusive 15-1. The Lions haven't had any issues with the Gladiators recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive victory against them.
Like Laurel Hill, L.E.A.D. Academy also got a great game from a two-way player: Logan Badejo. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out 12 over five innings pitched. Badejo was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing a base while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances.
In other batting news, L.E.A.D. Academy got a massive performance out of Silas Brown, who scored four runs and stole four bases while going 3-for-4. Brown has become a key player for the Lions: the team is undefeated when he posts at least three hits, but 3-4 otherwise. Tristan Randolph was another key player, scoring four runs and stealing three bases while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances.
L.E.A.D. Academy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .440. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Laurel Hill's loss dropped their record down to 2-12. As for L.E.A.D. Academy, their win bumped their record up to 6-4.
Thursday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Laurel Hill has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .443. However, it's not like L.E.A.D. Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .502. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
