The Lanier Christian Academy Lightning will square off against the Pinecrest Academy Paladins at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Lanier Christian Academy has given up an average of 6.8 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
On Saturday, Lanier Christian Academy came up short against Lakeview Academy and fell 11-8. The loss continues a trend for the Lightning in their meetings with the Lions: they've now lost four in a row.
Tres Criste made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Braden Fleitz, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs.
Meanwhile, Pinecrest Academy entered their tilt with Harvester Christian Academy on Monday with five consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with six. They walked away with a 7-4 win over the Hawks. Seven seems to be a good number for the Paladins as the team scooped up a victory with the same number of runs in their previous game.
Charles Dodson was excellent, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2025. The team also got some help courtesy of Liam McCavitt, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run.
Pinecrest Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .515. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Harvester Christian Academy only posted an OBP of .344.
Pinecrest Academy's win bumped their record up to 11-2. As for Lanier Christian Academy, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-4.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Lanier Christian Academy has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.5 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Pinecrest Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 4.1 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Lanier Christian Academy suffered a grim 20-5 defeat to Pinecrest Academy in their previous matchup back in March of 2025. Can the Lightning avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
