Baseball Game Preview: Manalapan Braves vs. Marlboro Mustangs

Manalapan and Marlboro are an even 5-5 against one another since June of 2021, but likely not for long. The Braves will welcome the Mustangs at 3:45 p.m. on Friday. Having both just faced considerable losses, both teams are looking to turn things around.

Manalapan came up short against Red Bank Catholic on Wednesday, falling 10-1. The Braves have struggled against the Caseys recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive lost meeting.

Manalapan got a good showing from Dylan Kane, who struck out seven batters over four innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits.

Meanwhile, Marlboro lost 11-1 to Middletown South on Wednesday.

Manalapan's defeat dropped their record down to 0-2. As for Marlboro, their loss dropped their record down to an identical 0-2.

Manalapan skirted past Marlboro 7-6 when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Will the Braves repeat their success, or do the Mustangs have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.