Softball Game Preview: Manatee Hurricanes vs. Riverview Sarasota Rams

The Manatee Hurricanes are taking a road trip to take on the Riverview Sarasota Rams at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The teams are rolling into the game with opposing streaks: Manatee has struggled recently with seven defeats in a row, while Riverview Sarasota will arrive with 13 straight victories.

Last Friday, Manatee came up short against Hardee and fell 10-6.

Baelee Garland and Jenna Caldwell stepped up to the plate in a big way. Garland scored a run and stole a base while going 3-for-3, while Caldwell scored two runs and stole three bases while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances. That's the most hits Garland has posted since back in April of 2024.

Meanwhile, it was close, but on Monday Riverview Sarasota sidestepped Lemon Bay for a 2-1 win. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Rams have posted against the Manta Rays since February 22, 2022.

Riverview Sarasota's win was truly a team effort as two different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Makenzie Carcifero, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base and one RBI. Carcifero has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times she's played.

Riverview Sarasota hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Lemon Bay struck out nine times.

Manatee's loss dropped their record down to 2-8. As for Riverview Sarasota, their victory was their 17th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 13-0.

Manatee suffered a grim 8-0 defeat to Riverview Sarasota in their previous meeting back in March. Can Manatee avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.