The American Heritage Patriots will face off against the Key West Conchs at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. American Heritage is coming into the matchup hot, having won their last ten games.
American Heritage is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. They skirted past Somerset Academy 6-5.
Lyric Rodriguez was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out 11 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off four hits. Rodriguez was also big at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, one stolen base, and two RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, American Heritage let Emma Griffith and Isabella Benton run wild. Griffith went 2-for-3 with two doubles, two RBI, and one run, while Benton got on base in all three of her plate appearances with one run, one double, and one RBI. That's the most doubles Griffith has posted since back in March of 2024.
Meanwhile, Key West posted their closest win since March 29th on Tuesday. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 2-1 victory over Archbishop McCarthy. Winning may never get old, but the Conchs sure are getting used to it with their fourth in a row.
Brianna Brenner spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on three hits and racked up 11 Ks. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Maciee Gage, who went 2-for-3 with one home run and two RBI.
American Heritage pushed their record up to 21-2 with the win, which was their 15th straight at home dating back to last season. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.2 runs on average over those games. As for Key West, their record now sits at 16-7.
American Heritage's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's contest. The Patriots have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.7 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Key West, though, as they've been averaging only 0.8 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will American Heritage continue to outrun the ball? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
