West Florida Baptist Academy hasn't had much luck against Lighthouse Private Christian Academy recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Conquerors are taking a road trip to face off against the Stingrays at 6:30 p.m. One thing working in West Florida Baptist Academy's favor is that they have posted at least ten runs in their last four games.
On Monday, West Florida Baptist Academy made easy work of Gulf Pointe Latin and carried off a 15-5 win. The victory continues a trend for the Conquerors in their matchups with the Gladiators: they've now won seven in a row.
Trey Hughes
| 04/14/25 @ Gulf Pointe Latin | 8 |
| 02/27/25 @ Freeport | 4 |
| 03/04/24 vs Santa Rosa Christian | 3 |
| 03/13/25 vs Aletheia Christian Academy | 2 |
| 04/20/24 vs East Hill Christian | 2 |
Trey Hughes made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). Those eight strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring four runs while going 2-for-4. He has become a key player for West Florida Baptist Academy: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 3-9 otherwise.
In other batting news, Ethan Salter was a standout: he scored two runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-4. He is becoming a predictor of West Florida Baptist Academy's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 4-9 when he doesn't). Baron Gray also deserves some recognition as he got his first hit of the season.
West Florida Baptist Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .525. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .525 or higher in four consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, it may have taken eight innings to finish the job, but Lighthouse Private Christian Academy ultimately got the result they hoped for on Monday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Aletheia Christian Academy, sneaking past 9-8. Winning may never get old, but the Stingrays sure are getting used to it with their fourth in a row.
Ezekiel Rycroft made a big impact no matter where he played. He struck out nine batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off four hits (and not a single walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 3-for-4.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Adrian Freitez, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 3-for-3. Another player making a difference was Garin Grant, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one RBI.
Lighthouse Private Christian Academy pushed their record up to 18-6 with the win, which was their 11th straight at home dating back to last season. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.8 runs on average over those games. As for West Florida Baptist Academy, their record is now 7-9.
Tuesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. West Florida Baptist Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .454. However, it's not like Lighthouse Private Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .463. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
West Florida Baptist Academy came up short against Lighthouse Private Christian Academy in their previous meeting back in March, falling 6-1. Can the Conquerors avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
