The First Academy Royals will head out on the road to square off against the Bishop Moore Hornets at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. The First Academy is coming into the game hot, having won their last five games.
The First Academy is headed into this one coming off a big win against nationally ranked Windermere (The First Academy was ranked 40th at the time). The Royals came out on top against the Wolverines by a score of 8-5 on Tuesday.
Kyle Hopper tossed a big game, pitching five innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off eight hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in four consecutive appearances.
Roy Rodriguez
| 04/08/25 @ Windermere | 4 |
| 04/23/24 @ Trinity Catholic | 3 |
| 04/02/24 vs Edgewater | 3 |
| 03/14/24 vs Bradley Central | 3 |
| 04/03/25 vs Montverde Academy | 2 |
At the plate, The First Academy let Roy Rodriguez and Kinon Bastian run wild. Rodriguez went 2-for-3 with four RBI, two doubles, and one run, while Bastian scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-3. Those four RBI gave Rodriguez a new career-high. Remo Indomenico was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3.
Mount Dora typically has all the answers at home, but on Wednesday Bishop Moore proved too difficult a challenge. They were the clear victors by a 14-3 margin over the Hurricanes. Considering the Hornets have won eight contests by more than five runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Drew Kunz spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered three runs (all of which were unearned) on five hits and racked up nine Ks.
On the hitting side, Jesiah Woodside was a standout: he went 3-for-4 with four RBI, one run, and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Will Kane, who scored three runs while going 2-for-3.
Bishop Moore always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .545. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Mount Dora only posted an OBP of .160.
Bishop Moore has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 17-6 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.3 runs over those games. As for The First Academy, their record now sits at 19-4.
Thursday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. The First Academy hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .326. However, it's not like Bishop Moore struggles in that department as they've averaged .337. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
The First Academy couldn't quite finish off Bishop Moore in their previous meeting back in March of 2024 and fell 4-2. Can the Royals avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
