The Phillips Exeter Academy Lions will take on the Lawrence Academy Spartans at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. Phillips Exeter Academy will be strutting in after a win while Lawrence Academy will be coming in after a loss.
Phillips Exeter Academy is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another highly-ranked state team: Worcester Academy, who was ranked 15th in their home state at the time (Phillips Exeter Academy was ranked 13th). The Lions came out on top against the Hilltoppers on Saturday by a score of 11-3 (the very same score they lost by in their prior game). The game was the first time the Lions have beaten the Hilltoppers on their field since April 13, 2024.
John Rodriguez made a big impact no matter where he played. He tossed five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off four hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, earning two RBI and one run.
In other pitching news, Devin Boles looked comfortable as he pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit.
Back at the plate, Davis Deluties was a standout: he went 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. That triple was his first of the season. Mo Hood was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI.
The home team had won the previous four meetings between Lawrence Academy and St. Mark's, and St. Mark's kept the tradition alive. The Spartans fell just short of the Lions by a score of 6-5 on Saturday.
Jayden Campbell and Lukas Lundvall stepped up to the plate in a big way. Campbell got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one stolen base and two RBI, while Lundvall went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Jason Teebagy Jr., who went 2-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
Lawrence Academy's defeat dropped their record down to 3-2. As for Phillips Exeter Academy, they now have a winning record of 4-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Phillips Exeter Academy has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Lawrence Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Phillips Exeter Academy came out on top in a nail-biter against Lawrence Academy when the teams last played back in April of 2023, sneaking past 7-6. Will the Lions repeat their success, or do the Spartans have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
