Lakeside Christian hasn't had much luck against Keswick Christian recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Lakeside Christian Lions will head out on the road to square off against the Keswick Christian Crusaders at 4:30 p.m. Lakeside Christian's pitching crew has only allowed four runs per game this season, so Keswick Christian's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Lakeside Christian easily dispatched Oasis Christian on Friday, but unfortunately both the margin and the ultimate result were a different story in this one. Lakeside Christian fell just short of Canterbury by a score of 2-0 on Monday. The matchup marked the first time this year in which the Lions were not able to get on the board.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Keswick Christian, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Monday. They were the clear victor by a 9-2 margin over Zephyrhills Christian Academy on Tuesday. The Crusaders might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five games by seven runs or more this season.
Landon Wilson made a splash no matter where he played. On the mound, he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing Two bases. while going 3-for-4. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in February of 2024.
In other batting news, Ryan DeOrsey was excellent, scoring two runs and stealing Two bases. while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances. Keswick Christian is undefeated when DeOrsey posts two or more runs, but 4-6 otherwise.
Keswick Christian moved to 7-6 with that win, which also ended their four-game losing streak. Even worse, they were so close so many times: the losses came by an average of only 3.75 runs. As for Lakeside Christian, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Lakeside Christian has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Keswick Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Lakeside Christian was able to grind out a solid victory over Keswick Christian in their previous meeting back in February, winning 6-3. The rematch might be a little tougher for Lakeside Christian since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
