The Pinecrest Academy Paladins will face off against the Lanier Christian Academy Lightning at 4:45 p.m. on Friday. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Pinecrest Academy has seven straight wins, Lanier Christian Academy has three straight losses), but none of that matters once you're on the field.
Pinecrest Academy gave up the first runs on Tuesday, but they didn't let that get them down. They blew past Lanier Christian Academy 20-10. The result was nothing new for the Paladins, who have now won nine matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Cooper Chupp made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up a single earned run in six consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, firing off two home runs, six RBI, and four runs while getting on base in five of his six plate appearances. What's more, he posted two hits, the most he's had over his last 12 contests.
Aiden Gangone
| 03/24/26 @ Lanier Christian Academy | 3 |
| 03/23/26 vs Harvester Christian Academy | 2 |
| 03/20/26 @ Harvester Christian Academy | 1 |
| 03/19/26 vs Trinity Classical | 1 |
| 03/04/26 vs Tallulah Falls | 1 |
In other batting news, Aiden Gangone was a standout: he got on base in all six of his plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in hits (three). Another player making a difference was Carter Barrett, who got on base in three of his six plate appearances with one home run, three runs, and three RBI.
Pinecrest Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .593. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Lanier Christian Academy only posted an OBP of .444.
Pinecrest Academy's victory bumped their record up to 12-2. As for Lanier Christian Academy, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-6.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Pinecrest Academy has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.1 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Lanier Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
