The First Academy and Montverde Academy are an even 3-3 against one another since April of 2017, but likely not for long. The Royals will face off against the Eagles at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The last five games The First Academy has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
The First Academy is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Saturday. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Santa Fe Catholic 5-4.
Matthew Rondon
| 04/25/26 vs Santa Fe Catholic | 1 |
| 04/08/26 vs Apopka | 2 |
| 04/01/26 @ Timber Creek | 1 |
| 03/28/26 @ Jupiter | 0 |
| 03/18/26 vs Monsignor Pace | 1 |
Matthew Rondon looked comfortable as he tossed 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Cannon Koronka was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, two RBI, and one double. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Jaxson Wells, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Montverde Academy had already won two in a row and they went ahead and made it three on Friday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Lions a 12-0 shutout.
Sid Goecke tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit over five innings pitched.
At the plate, Max Irving and Alex Bello did most of the damage at the plate: Irving went 2-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs, while Bello went 1-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. Miguel Ramos was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Montverde Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .562. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Foundation Academy only posted an OBP of .118.
Montverde Academy's win bumped their record up to 17-8. As for The First Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 18-10.
The First Academy couldn't quite finish off Montverde Academy in their previous matchup last Friday and fell 7-5. Can the Royals avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
