The Auburndale Bloodhounds will head out on the road to face off against the Lake Wales Highlanders at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Auburndale is coming into the contest on a five-game losing streak.
Auburndale lost 10-3 to Aubrey Rogers on Wednesday.
Caiden Whittenton
| 03/12/25 vs Aubrey Rogers | 0 |
| 03/04/25 vs Lakeland | 1 |
| 02/21/25 vs Victory Christian Academy | 1 |
Auburndale had to settle for second despite strong performances on the mound from Caiden Whittenton and Connor Stricklen Whittenton pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits, while Stricklen pitched four innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. Whittenton has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one hit in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Justin Monroe made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored a run and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-4. Brittan Zealley was another key player, scoring a run while going 1-for-3.
Meanwhile, Lake Wales fell victim to IMG Academy Royal and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They took a 3-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Ascenders. Having soared to a lofty 12 runs in the game before, the Highlanders' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Lake Wales also got a good showing from Zach Stricklin, who tossed 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit.
Auburndale's record now sits at 3-10. As for Lake Wales, their record now sits at 7-5.
Auburndale's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's game. Auburndale has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.1 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Lake Wales, though, as they've been averaging only 1.2 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Auburndale continue to outrun the ball?
Auburndale couldn't quite get it done against Lake Wales when the teams last played back in February as they fell 10-5. Can Auburndale avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
