Grace Academy is 0-3 against Pro Stock Royals Academy since March of 2024 but things could change on Thursday. The Lions will venture away from home to challenge the Royals at 6:00 p.m. Grace Academy is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8 runs per game this season.
While Grace Academy's win against Lee Park Prep wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Lions narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past the Knights 6-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Lions have posted since February 27th.
Seth Stanton
| 03/18/25 vs Covenant Classical | 3 |
| 04/01/25 vs Lee Park Prep | 2 |
| 03/24/25 @ Lee Park Prep | 2 |
| 03/06/25 vs Lake Norman Christian | 2 |
| 02/27/25 vs Charlotte S | 2 |
| + 3 more games |
Seth Stanton was incredible, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, one triple, and two RBI. He has become a key player for Grace Academy: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 4-5 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Nick Coccus, who scored two runs while going 1-for-2.
Grace Academy hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Lee Park Prep struck out seven times.
Meanwhile, Pro Stock Royals Academy came tearing into Wednesday's match with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 5.7 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They walked away with a 7-2 victory over the Cardinals. While the Royals didn't have the best season last year (they finished 7-16), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
David Rowles tossed a big game, striking out ten batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than nine strikeouts in four consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Pro Stock Royals Academy let Nick Santos and Jake Gibson run wild. Santos scored a run while going 2-for-3, while Gibson scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4. Gibson also hit a double, marking his first of the season. Stephen Mogelefsky was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-1.
Grace Academy has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four games. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-5 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 4.0 runs on average over those games. As for Pro Stock Royals Academy, their record now sits at 8-2.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Grace Academy has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .495. However, it's not like Pro Stock Royals Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .440. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Grace Academy might still be hurting after the 11-2 loss they got from Pro Stock Royals Academy in their previous meeting back in March. Can the Lions avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
