The Hernando Leopards will challenge the Sunlake Seahawks at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Hernando is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 9.6 runs per game this season.
Sunlake will challenge a team with plenty of momentum: Hernando extended their winning streak to three on Tuesday. The Leopards skirted past Nature Coast Tech 8-6.
Kaitlyn Carter spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and four unearned) runs on 12 hits.
On the hitting side, Ammarae Easton and Aubrey Knierim did most of the damage at the plate: Easton went 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple, while Knierim scored four runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4. The dominant performance also gave Knierim a new career-high in doubles (three). Another player making a difference was Murphi Blade, who went 2-for-4 with one triple, one run, and one double.
Hernando was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .366 or higher in three consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Sunlake, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They were the clear victors by a 7-0 margin over Sickles on Wednesday. The Seahawks might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won nine games by six runs or more this season.
The result came thanks to Sydney Walker's shutout, as she gave up just five hits and racked up six Ks. Those six strikeouts set a new season-high mark for her.
At the plate, Emily Ward was excellent, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-2. Lexi Romero was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one triple.
Hernando's win was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 13-6-1. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.6 runs over those games. As for Sunlake, they are on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 15-7 record this season.
Sunlake's pitching crew better be locked in on Thursday. Hernando hasn't had any problems when it comes to power this season, having averaged 0.5 home runs per game. It's a different story for Sunlake, though, as they've been averaging only 0 home runs. Will they be able to keep Hernando in the park?
Everything went Hernando's way against Sunlake in their previous meeting back in April of 2023, as Hernando made off with a 9-0 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Leopards since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
