The Inspiration Academy Lions will head out on the road to square off against the IMG Academy Gold Ascenders at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Inspiration Academy is coming into the match on a four-game losing streak.
Inspiration Academy's usually-dominant pitching crew will be looking to make up for Thursday's struggle, when Sunshine State Elite Academy hitters got past them. The Lions fell just short of Sunshine State Elite Academy by a score of 10-9 on Thursday.
Inspiration Academy got a good showing from Kolten Harris, who tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off three hits. That's the first time Harris hasn't allowed a single earned run since back in February.
At the plate, Ty Harvey made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Jackson Bradley, who went 1-for-4 with four RBI and one double.
IMG Academy Gold's found some homefield redemption this week after a overtime loss to Charlotte on Tuesday. The Ascenders came out on top in a nail-biter against Central Pointe Christian Academy, sneaking past 4-3.
Miguel Barajas looked comfortable as he struck out nine batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits (and not a single walk). He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in five consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, IMG Academy Gold let Cade Hudmon and Rondy Bryant run wild. Hudmon went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double, while Bryant went 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double. Those two hits gave Bryant a new career-high. Kevin Brinkworth was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one double.
The victory got IMG Academy Gold back to even at 12-12. As for Inspiration Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 13-9.
Inspiration Academy couldn't quite finish off IMG Academy Gold in their previous matchup on April 1st and fell 6-4. Can the Lions avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
