The Ransom Everglades Raiders will take on the Marathon Dolphins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Having struggled with three losses in a row, Ransom Everglades turned things around against Somerset Academy (Silver Palms) on Wednesday. They were the clear victors by a 9-2 margin over the Stallions.
The team relied heavily on Jorge Gross, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in February. Another player making a difference was Enrique MacIas, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4.
Meanwhile, Marathon got the win against Miami Country Day on Wednesday by a conclusive 16-1. The victory continues a trend for the Dolphins in their matchups with the Spartans: they've now won eight in a row.
Jason Stubblefield Jr. was incredible, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Jack Chapman, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Marathon was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .478. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .300 or higher in five consecutive games.
Marathon pushed their record up to 15-9 with the win, which was their third straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.7 runs over those games. As for Ransom Everglades, their record now sits at 15-7.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Ransom Everglades hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .358. However, it's not like Marathon struggles in that department as they've averaged .350. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Ransom Everglades couldn't quite get it done against Marathon when the teams last played back in March as they fell 4-1. Can the Raiders avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
