Pinellas Park hasn't had much luck against East Lake recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. Pinellas Park will face off against East Lake at 7:00 p.m. The last five games Pinellas Park has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
While Pinellas Park's victory against St. Petersburg wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. Pinellas Park had just enough and edged out St. Petersburg 7-6. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since April 26, 2019, but that streak is no more.
Carter DuBois was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with four RBI. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high. Graham Matus also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
DuBois wasn't the only one working in the hit department: Pinellas Park kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in four consecutive games.
The home team had won the previous three meetings between East Lake and Wiregrass Ranch, and East Lake kept the tradition alive. East Lake never let Wiregrass Ranch get on the board and left with a 6-0 win on Wednesday. Considering the Eagles have won six matches by more than five runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Not much got past Dane Wright, who gave up just two hits and racked up nine Ks to keep Wiregrass Ranch off the board. Those nine strikeouts set a new season-high mark for Wright.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Camden Boehm, who scored a run and stole a base while going 3-for-4.
Pinellas Park's record now sits at 7-11. As for East Lake, their record is now 11-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Pinellas Park has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like East Lake struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Pinellas Park might still be hurting after the 7-0 loss they got from East Lake in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can Pinellas Park avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
