Gateway hasn't had much luck against Cape Coral recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Gateway Eagles will welcome the Cape Coral Seahawks at 6:30 p.m. Gateway has given up an average of 9.7 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.
Gateway came up short against Oasis on Friday, falling 14-3. The matchup marked the Eagles' lowest-scoring game so far this season.
Gateway saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Presley Murphy, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double.
Meanwhile, Cape Coral entered their tilt with Lely on Friday with two consecutive wins , and they'll enter their next game with three. They were the clear victor by a 16-6 margin over the Trojans. Considering the Seahawks have won four contests by more than nine runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Emma Brannan made a splash no matter where she played. She struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than eight strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing Three bases. while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, Brielle Pachick was a standout: she got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Allie Buice, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3.
Cape Coral always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .706. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in five consecutive matches.
Cape Coral pushed their record up to 6-3 with the victory, which was their ninth straight at home dating back to last season. They've dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 10.8 runs. As for Gateway, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-4.
Monday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Gateway has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .489. However, it's not like Cape Coral struggles in that department as they've averaged .486. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Gateway might still be hurting after the 15-5 loss they got from Cape Coral in their previous meeting back in February. Will Gateway have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
