Inspiration Academy and IMG Academy Black are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2021, but likely not for long. The Lions will take on the Ascenders at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. IMG Academy Black took a loss in their last match and will be looking to turn the tables on Inspiration Academy, who comes in off a win.
Inspiration Academy was handed a heart-breaking two-run loss in their last game, but they sure didn't let that happen against Southeastern Prep Academy on Thursday. The Lions put the hurt on the Falcons with a sharp 12-2 win. The Lions might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven contests by six runs or more this season.
Kolten Harris
| 04/03/25 vs Southeastern Prep Academy | 2 |
| 03/19/25 vs Auburndale | 1 |
| 03/13/25 vs IMG Academy Blue | 1 |
| 03/03/25 vs Central Pointe Christian Academy | 1 |
| 02/26/25 @ IMG Academy Royal | 2 |
Kolten Harris looked comfortable as he pitched four innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits. What's more, he posted two strikeouts, the most he's had since back in February.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Sean Dromgool, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. That's the most runs he has posted since back in February. Another player making a difference was Gio Cruz, who scored two runs while going 2-for-3.
Inspiration Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .567. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Thursday just wasn't the day for IMG Academy Black's offense. They lost 6-0 to Sebring on Thursday. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Ascenders have suffered since April 6, 2024.
IMG Academy Black also got a good showing from Romolo DeCenzo, who tossed four innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. DeCenzo has been consistent for a while: he hasn't given up more than two walks any time he's pitched this season.
Inspiration Academy is on a roll lately: they've won six of their last eight matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-5 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.5 runs on average over those games. As for IMG Academy Black, their loss dropped their record down to 16-3.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Inspiration Academy hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .315. However, it's not like IMG Academy Black struggles in that department as they've averaged .422. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Inspiration Academy couldn't quite finish off IMG Academy Black when the teams last played back in April of 2024 and fell 9-7. Can the Lions avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
