The Tavares Baseball team displayed patriotic outfits this week as they faced Mount Dora High. It proved to be a challenging evening for Mount Dora High as Tavares aimed to end their four-game losing streak. The Bulldogs came out with plenty of energy and secured an 11-4 victory.

(Dallas Rasmussen has been one of the best pitchers in Lake County this season.)

The game began with both teams in a close contest, remaining scoreless through 3 1/2 innings. Dallas Rasmussen pitched a fantastic game on the mound. In the bottom of the third inning, Tavares High broke open the game with an 8-run inning.

Triston Marks had a terrific night with 2 hits, 1 RBI, 1 double, and 2 runs scored in just 3 at-bats. Meanwhile, Jamarcus Pugh contributed 2 RBIs on a 2-hit night. The junior is off to a great start this season. Sophomore Aaron Alston also played a key role with 2 RBIs, 2 hits, and a run scored.

(Senior Parker Fisher takes an at bat for Tavares.)

Mount Dora struggled to settle Cooper Chapman into a rhythm in the 3rd inning, costing the team dearly. Chapman ended the night with 6 earned runs. Until that point, Chapman had performed well. Tavares added 2 more runs in the 4th inning, making it 10-0 heading into the top of the 5th.

On the pitching side, Dallas Rasmussen performed well through four innings but ran into trouble in the top of the 5th. Mount Dora scored four runs in the inning. Rasmussen finished the night with 7 strikeouts, allowing 7 hits, most of which came in the 5th inning, and 4 runs.

(It was all high fives and happy faces as Tavares would win their 4th game of the year. The will look to get back to .500 on the season tonight as they face Mount Dora again.)

Rasmussen was relieved by junior Darrien Henderson, who delivered an impressive performance. The Hurricanes had no answers for him as he pitched 2.2 innings, surrendering no hits, no walks, and recording 4 strikeouts. It was an impressive display, showing that Henderson is in top form.

Tavares will play at Mount Dora tonight. The Hurricanes remain winless this season and are seeking their first win. Despite the struggles, David Navarro and Leyton Ward have been standouts for Mount Dora this season. The Hurricanes need to improve their pitching and offense tonight to compete against Tavares.

(Tavares catcher Parker Fisher has brought a lot of senior leadership behind the plate this season. While Fisher might have a .150 average at the plate this season, he leads the team in walks and finds ways to get on base.)

The patriotic special edition uniforms worn by Tavares were a hit last night, looking fabulous under the lights. We look forward to seeing this team continue to evolve throughout the season. With games against Lake Minneola, Eustis and Umatilla on the Horizion this team will want to take advantage of winning games while they can. The schedule is about to get a lot tougher in the weeks ahead.