Apopka is 9-1 against Ocoee since February of 2017 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Apopka Blue Darters are taking a road trip to take on the Ocoee Knights at 7:00 p.m. One thing working in Apopka's favor is that they have posted at least ten runs every time they've taken the field this season.
Apopka is probably headed into the match with a chip on their shoulder considering Eustis just ended the team's three-game winning streak on Wednesday. They fell 14-10 to the Panthers. The loss was the Blue Darters' first of the season.
Sydney Bartkin was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. On the mound, she pitched 4.1 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. Bartkin was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. The dominant performance gave her a new career-high in hits.
Taylor Smith
| 03/05/25 @ Eustis | 4 |
| 02/28/25 @ West Orange | 3 |
| 04/08/24 vs Wekiva | 3 |
| 04/05/24 vs Ocoee | 3 |
| 04/01/24 @ Dr. Phillips | 3 |
In other batting news, Taylor Smith stepped up to lead a balanced group of hitters: she went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run and four runs. Those four runs gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Ava Gonzalez, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.
Even though they lost, Apopka kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least nine hits in five consecutive contests dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 18 runs the game before, Ocoee was a bit more limited in their game on Friday. They took a 5-2 hit to the loss column at the hands of Foundation Academy. The defeat continues a trend for the Knights in their meetings with the Lions: they've now lost four in a row.
Amber Vance spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and two unearned) runs on nine hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances.
The loss was their first at home , dropping their record down to 3-2. As for Apopka, their defeat was their first of the season and makes their record 3-1.
Thursday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Apopka has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .500. However, it's not like Ocoee struggles in that department as they've averaged .469. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Apopka couldn't quite finish off Ocoee when the teams last played back in April of 2024 and fell 8-6. Can Apopka avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
