The Southwest Florida Christian King will face off against the Master's Academy Patriots at 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Southwest Florida Christian is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8 runs per game this season.
Thursday just wasn't the day for Southwest Florida Christian's offense. They took a 4-0 hit to the loss column at the hands of Bishop Verot on Thursday. The King's haven't had much luck with the Vikings recently, as the team has come up short the last three times they've met.
Meanwhile, Master's Academy got the win against Westwood on Thursday by a conclusive 19-4. The Patriots might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 11 games by ten runs or more this season.
Scarlett Grall made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring three runs while going 1-for-3.
In other batting news, Alison Viersma was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing three bases while going 2-for-3. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in April of 2024. Heidi Kuperus was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in both of her plate appearances.
Master's Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .606. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Westwood only posted an OBP of .450.
Master's Academy is on a roll lately: they've won eight of their last nine matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 13-3 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.2 runs over those games. As for Southwest Florida Christian, their loss dropped their record down to 7-7.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Southwest Florida Christian hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .335. However, it's not like Master's Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .342. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Southwest Florida Christian might still be hurting after the 16-0 defeat they got from Master's Academy in their previous matchup back in April of 2023. Can the King's avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
