The Freedom Christian Academy Patriots will take on the Mercyhurst Prep Lakers at 11:30 a.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Freedom Christian Academy will roll into the match after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Tuesday, then bounced right back against Bishop Ireton on Wednesday. The Patriots put the hurt on the Cardinals with a sharp 16-3 win. Considering the Patriots' hitters had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.
Graysen Stafford
| 04/23/25 vs Bishop Ireton | 4 |
| 03/14/25 vs The O'Neal School | 3 |
| 03/08/25 vs Cape Fear Christian Academy | 3 |
| 05/07/24 vs Friendship Christian | 3 |
| 04/12/24 vs Northwood Temple Academy | 3 |
The team relied heavily on Graysen Stafford, who fired off two home runs, seven RBI, and four runs while going 4-for-4. Those four runs gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Andrew Corney, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Freedom Christian Academy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .571. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Mercyhurst Prep strolled into their game on Wednesday with a perfect record and they left with the same. Everything went their way against Middle Township as they made off with a 13-3 victory.
Mercyhurst Prep also got a great performance from Brady Rice as he struck out eight batters over five innings while giving up three earned runs off only two hits. Rice has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two hits in five consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Zack Kruszewski was a standout: he went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. Noah Reigel also deserves some recognition as he hit his first triple of the season.
Freedom Christian Academy's record now sits at 17-5. As for Mercyhurst Prep, their record is now 11-0.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Freedom Christian Academy has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.4 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Mercyhurst Prep struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
