The Lake Highland Prep Highlanders will head out on the road to challenge the Master's Academy Eagles at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Lake Highland Prep's pitching crew has only allowed 2.6 runs per game this season, so Master's Academy's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Lake Highland Prep is headed into the contest having just posted their closest win since April 4, 2024 on Thursday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Father Lopez, sneaking past 8-7. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Highlanders.

Oliver Dugan
02/27/25 vs Father Lopez | 4 |
02/11/25 @ Windermere Prep | 2 |
02/13/25 @ West Port | 1 |
04/25/24 @ Cornerstone Charter Academy | 1 |
03/12/24 vs Master's Academy | 1 |
Oliver Dugan made a splash while hitting and pitching. He tossed 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up a single hits in three consecutive appearances. He was even better at the plate, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 4-for-4. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in hits (four).
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Alex Khalil, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-3. Colin Jones also deserves some recognition as he stole his first stolen bases of the season.
Meanwhile, while Master's Academy put up some runs on Thursday, the same can't be said for Lake Howell. Everything went Master's Academy's way against Lake Howell as Master's Academy made off with a 9-0 victory. The Eagles might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four games by eight runs or more this season.
Like Lake Highland Prep, Master's Academy also got a great game from a two-way player: Julian Mercado. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only a hit while striking out seven over five innings pitched. What's more, Mercado gave up only zero earned runs, the fewest he's had since back in April of 2024. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
In other batting news, Aiden Santos was excellent, scoring a run while going 1-for-2.
Master's Academy has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 4-3 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.5 runs over those games. Lake Highland Prep's record now sits at 4-1.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Lake Highland Prep has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .536. However, it's not like Master's Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .437. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Lake Highland Prep suffered a grim 10-3 defeat to Master's Academy in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Can Lake Highland Prep avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.