Lake Wales hasn't had much luck against Inspiration Academy recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Highlanders will be playing in front of their home fans against the Lions at 7:00 p.m. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.
Lake Wales' pitching crew heads into the contest hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Wednesday. They put the hurt on George Jenkins with a sharp 10-0 victory. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Highlanders.
Anna Conroy
| 04/16/25 @ George Jenkins | 2 |
| 04/15/25 @ Hardee | 2 |
| 04/11/25 vs Bartow | 1 |
| 04/04/25 @ Inspiration Academy | 2 |
| 04/03/25 @ Sebring | 1 |
| 04/01/25 @ Auburndale | 2 |
Not much got past Anna Conroy, who gave up just two hits and racked up seven Ks to keep George Jenkins off the board. Conroy has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Mattie Cockrell, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in February. The team also got some help courtesy of Kirsten McRae, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Lake Wales kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They are a perfect 7-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Inspiration Academy got the win against Clearwater on Tuesday by a conclusive 15-4. Considering the Lions have won nine matches by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Inspiration Academy got a massive performance out of Jade Carnahan, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Alexis McInerney was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI.
Inspiration Academy has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won 15 of their last 16 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 21-5 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.3 runs over those games. As for Lake Wales, their victory bumped their record up to 11-7.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Lake Wales hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .315. However, it's not like Inspiration Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .315. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Lake Wales came up short against Inspiration Academy in their previous meeting two weeks ago, falling 5-0. Will the Highlanders have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
