The Varela Vipers will face off against the Miami Beach Hi-Tides at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.
Varela is headed into the match having just suffered their biggest loss since February 21, 2024 on Friday. They came up short against Keys Gate, falling 11-4. The loss was the Vipers' first of the season.
Varela got a good showing from Alexander Gonzalez, who tossed 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit.
At the plate, Jonathan Paniagua made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-4 with one triple, one stolen base, and one run. Luis Sosa was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Miami Beach was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They fell 8-3 to iMater Charter.
Miami Beach also got a good showing from Tomas Useche, who pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits.
On the hitting side, Lenonx Munoz was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring two runs and stealing three bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Carlos Landaeta, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 2-for-3.
Miami Beach's loss dropped their record down to 1-3. As for Varela, their defeat was their first of the season and makes their record 2-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Varela has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Miami Beach struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Varela came up short against Miami Beach in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, falling 10-5. Will Varela 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.
