The Palmetto Tigers will take on the Steinbrenner Warriors in a tournament on Saturday. Palmetto will be strutting in after a win while Steinbrenner will be coming in after a defeat.
Palmetto not only won on Friday, but they posted their biggest win since April 30, 2024. Everything went their way against Academy of the Holy Names as Palmetto made off with a 14-7 victory. The Tigers' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
MaKenna Lee was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out nine over four innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 4-for-4. What's more, she posted three RBI, the most she's had since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Keleah Peters, who scored three runs while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. What's more, she posted two RBI, the most she's had since back in April of 2024. Savannah Daymon also deserves some recognition as she got her first hits of the season.
Palmetto always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .639. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Academy of the Holy Names only posted an OBP of .314.
Meanwhile, Friday just wasn't the day for Steinbrenner's offense. They fell 3-0 to Parrish Community on Friday. The Warriors' loss signaled the end of their six-game winning streak.
Lilly Patton spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up ten Ks.
The win got Palmetto back to even at 3-3. As for Steinbrenner, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-2.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Palmetto has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 10.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Steinbrenner struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.1 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Palmetto suffered a grim 11-3 defeat to Steinbrenner in their previous meeting back in March of 2018. Can Palmetto avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
