Baseball Recap: IMG Academy Navy's Luck Changes for the Better on Friday

It may have taken eight innings to finish the job, but IMG Academy Navy ultimately got the result they hoped for on Friday. They had just enough and edged out the Bradenton Christian Panthers 5-3. The win was some much needed relief for the Ascenders as it spelled an end to their six-game losing streak.

Joonho Song

Stolen Base

03/28/25 @ Bradenton Christian	2
03/07/25 vs Zephyrhills	2
02/11/25 vs Central Pointe Christian Academy	2
03/18/25 vs St. Petersburg Catholic	1
03/03/25 vs Bradenton Christian	1
+ 3 more games

Joonho Song was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one hit in three consecutive appearances. He was even better at the plate, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 3-for-4. He is becoming a predictor of IMG Academy Navy's success: when he posts at least two stolen bases the team is undefeated (and 6-7 when he doesn't).

In other pitching news, Daiki Mochizuki tossed a big game, striking out seven batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and only one walk).

Song wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Kento Yamada, who went 2-for-5 with one double and one RBI.

IMG Academy Navy's victory was their fourth straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 9-7. The road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.5 runs over those games. As for Bradenton Christian, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 9-6 record this season.

IMG Academy Navy has already played their next game, a 9-4 victory against First Baptist Academy on the 29th. As for Bradenton Christian, they also wasted no time getting back out on the field and have already played their next contest, a 2-0 defeat against Prestonsburg on the 1st.