The Ocoee Knights will head out to challenge the Mount Dora Hurricanes at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Ocoee is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.5 runs per game this season.
Last Thursday, everything went Ocoee's way against Circle Christian as Ocoee made off with a 17-5 win. The victory continues a trend for the Knights in their matchups with the Centurions: they've now won three in a row.
Trenton Nice was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He tossed three innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in four consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 1-for-3.
Onrique Archie
| 02/21/25 vs Apopka | 8 |
| 02/28/25 vs Evans | 3 |
| 02/14/25 vs Oak Ridge | 3 |
| 03/11/25 vs Colonial | 2 |
| 03/04/25 vs Dr. Phillips | 1 |
In other pitching news, Onrique Archie looked comfortable as he tossed 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Ocoee is 2-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 5-6 otherwise.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Serico Allen, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, five RBI, and two runs. He has become a key player for Ocoee: the team is 2-1 when he posts at least three hits, but 5-6 otherwise. Dwight Oneal was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base.
Ocoee kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. That's the most hits they've posted since back in February of 2024.
Meanwhile, Mount Dora entered their tilt with Tavares on Thursday with two consecutive wins , and they'll enter their next game with three. They came out on top against the Bulldogs by a score of 6-1.
Jacob James spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on three hits and racked up 12 Ks. That's the fewest hits he has allowed since back in February.
On the hitting side, Preston Rhodes was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one triple, two RBI, and one run. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in February. Another player making a difference was Ethan McLain, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one double and one RBI.
The win got Ocoee back to even at 7-7. As for Mount Dora, their record now sits at 9-6.
Ocoee's speedy runners might be the difference in Friday's match. Ocoee has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.6 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Mount Dora, though, as they've been averaging only 1.1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Ocoee continue to outrun the ball?
Ocoee came up short against Mount Dora when the teams last played back in March of 2023, falling 6-1. Can Ocoee avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
