The Indian Rocks Christian Eagles will face off against the Wharton Wildcats at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The last three games Indian Rocks Christian has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
If Indian Rocks Christian beats Wharton with three runs on Friday, it's going to be the team's new lucky number: they've won their past two matches with that exact score. The Eagles narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past Clearwater Central Catholic 3-2.
Hunter Maddox made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out seven over seven innings pitched. He is becoming a predictor of Indian Rocks Christian's success: when he allows at most one hit the team is undefeated (and 8-9 when he doesn't). Maddox was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring a run while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. What's more, he posted two doubles, the most he's had since back in February.
Noah Mortellite
| 04/03/25 @ Clearwater Central Catholic | 3 |
| 03/04/25 vs Anclote | 2 |
| 02/25/25 @ Southeast | 2 |
| 02/18/25 @ Countryside | 2 |
| 02/11/25 @ Gulf | 2 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Noah Mortellite, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4. Those three hits gave him a new career-high.
Meanwhile, after a string of five wins, Wharton's good fortune finally ran out on Thursday. They took a 5-2 hit to the loss column at the hands of Jefferson.
Wharton also got a good showing from Aaron Wonderly, who tossed three innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. Wonderly has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one walk any time he's pitched this season.
At the plate, Wharton saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Justis Meadows, who scored a run while going 1-for-2. Drew Cobb was another, scoring a run while going 1-for-3.
Indian Rocks Christian's victory bumped their record up to 12-9. As for Wharton, their loss dropped their record down to 17-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Indian Rocks Christian has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Wharton struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
