Menendez is 0-10 against Clay since March of 2017 but things could change on Tuesday. The Falcons will take on the Blue Devils at 7:00 p.m. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Menendez is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Monday. They came out on top against St. Augustine by a score of 7-4.
Ava Christman spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned runs on nine hits.
Rylan Degrande
| 04/27/26 vs St. Augustine | 4 |
| 03/05/26 vs New Smyrna Beach | 3 |
| 03/25/25 @ Beachside | 3 |
| 02/27/25 @ New Smyrna Beach | 3 |
| 04/01/26 @ Stanton | 2 |
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Rylan Degrande, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Those four hits gave her a new career-high. Lexie Gottschalk also deserves some recognition as she hit her first double of the season.
Meanwhile, Clay had to endure a three-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 5-3 win over Orange Park on Tuesday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Blue Devils have posted since March 3rd.
Clay also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Sadie Russo gave up just two earned (and one unearned) runs on seven hits. Russo has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Brooke Hamilton was excellent, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one double. Kaitlyn Howell was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
Clay hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least five batters in six consecutive games.
Menendez's record is now 9-10. As for Clay, their record now sits at 9-14.
Menendez might still be hurting after the 15-1 defeat they got from Clay when the teams last played back in March. Can the Falcons avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
