The Lakeland Christian Vikings will head out to challenge the Lakeland Dreadnaughts at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Lakeland Christian's pitching crew has only allowed 2.2 runs per game this season, so Lakeland's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Lakeland Christian had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 11-run drubbing they dealt Winter Haven on Tuesday. Everything went Lakeland Christian's way against Winter Haven as Lakeland Christian made off with a 12-1 victory. That 11 run margin sets a new team best for the Vikings this season.
Nathan Diaz made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run over four innings pitched. Furthermore, he didn't allow a single walk, the first time he has blanked an opponent since back in April of 2024. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one RBI. The dominant performance gave him a new career-high in hits.
In other pitching news, Alex Arthur looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Lakeland Christian is 5-1 when Arthur allowsthree or fewer hits, but 1-2 otherwise.
Peyton Brenneman
| 03/04/25 @ Winter Haven | 3 |
| 04/25/24 @ Lakeland | 2 |
| 04/15/24 @ Shorecrest Prep | 2 |
| 04/08/24 vs Lakeland | 2 |
| 03/22/24 @ Auburndale | 2 |
Back at the plate, Peyton Brenneman was incredible, going 3-for-5 with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. Those three hits gave him a new career-high. Brody Brenneman also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Lakeland Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .595. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Winter Haven only posted an OBP of .261.
Meanwhile, Lakeland waltzed into their contest on Thursday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 6-5 W against the Braves.
Lakeland also got a great performance from CONNOR FACEY as he didn't allow a single earned run while striking out six over five innings pitched. FACEY has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two walks any time he's pitched this season.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on CARTER MASLYN, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, one triple, and one run. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games he's played. Another player making a difference was EDRICK AYALA, who went 1-for-3 with three stolen bases and one RBI.
Lakeland Christian has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six games. That's provided a nice bump to their 6-3 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.8 runs on average over those games. Lakeland now has a winning record of 5-4.
Lakeland Christian took their win against Lakeland in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 17-0. Does Lakeland Christian have another victory up their sleeve, or will Lakeland turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
