The DeLand Bulldogs will take on the Innovation Bulls at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. DeLand is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.3 runs per game this season.
DeLand gave up the first runs last Friday, but they didn't let that get them down. They put the hurt on Atlantic with a sharp 23-3 win. The Bulldogs haven't had any issues with the Sharks recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive victory against them.
Hailey Whidden
| 03/28/25 @ Atlantic | 7 |
| 03/25/25 @ Seabreeze | 5 |
| 03/11/25 @ New Smyrna Beach | 3 |
| 03/06/25 @ Forest | 0 |
| 02/26/25 @ Space Coast | 1 |
| + 2 more games |
Hailey Whidden made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over three innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off three hits (and only one walk). That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in February. She was also big at the plate, scoring three runs while going 2-for-4. She also put up a double, which was her first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Payton Mathis, who got on base in all four of her plate appearances with one home run, four runs, and four RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024. De-Niya Padgett was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-2.
DeLand was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .520. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, Monday just wasn't the day for Innovation's offense. They came up short against Boone on Monday, falling 18-0. Having soared to a lofty 23 runs in the game before, the Bulls' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
DeLand now has a winning record of 7-6. As for Innovation, their loss dropped their record down to 6-5.
DeLand came out on top in a nail-biter against Innovation when the teams last played back in February, sneaking past 6-4. Will DeLand repeat their success, or does Innovation has a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
