Cornerstone Prep Academy will take on the Pinecrest Academy Paladins at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.
Having struggled with four defeats in a row, Cornerstone Prep Academy turned things around against Praise Academy on Monday. They were the clear victor by an 11-1 margin over the Lions. The high-scoring performance was a welcome turnaround for Cornerstone Prep Academy's hitters, who had struggled in the games prior.
Owen Dichiara
| 02/28/25 vs Harvester Christian Academy | 3 |
| 03/04/25 vs Cherokee Christian | 1 |
Madden Ruplin and Owen Dichiara made a big impact no matter where they played. Throwing, Ruplin didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched. Meanwhile, Dichiara tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Cornerstone Prep Academy is 2-1 when he allows at most one earned run, but 0-3 otherwise. At the plate, Ruplin scored a run and stole Two bases. while going 1-for-4, while Dichiara scored three runs and stole Three bases. while going 2-for-4. That's the most runs Dichiara has posted since back in February of 2024.
In other batting news, Evan Dichiara was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing Four bases. while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. Those stolen bases were his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Isaiah Stahl, who scored three runs and stole Two bases. while going 1-for-4.
Meanwhile, Pinecrest Academy put another one in the bag on Monday to keep their perfect season alive. Everything went their way against Johnson Ferry Christian Academy as Pinecrest Academy made off with a 13-2 victory. While the Paladins didn't have the best season last year (they finished 7-10), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Mathew Sime was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he pitched four innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. What's more, he gave up only one walk, the fewest he's had since back in March of 2024. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
In other batting news, Matthew Mitchell was a standout: he scored two runs while going 2-for-3. Anderson Proctor was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.
Pinecrest Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .543. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Johnson Ferry Christian Academy only posted an OBP of .286.
Cornerstone Prep Academy picked up their first home win, bumping their record up to 2-4. As for Pinecrest Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 5-0.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Cornerstone Prep Academy has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Pinecrest Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Cornerstone Prep Academy suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to Pinecrest Academy when the teams last played on Friday. Will Cornerstone Prep Academy have more luck at home instead of on the road? Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
