Softball Game Preview: Anclote Sharks vs. Gulf Buccaneers

Anclote is 2-8 against Gulf since April of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Anclote Sharks will be playing in front of their home fans against the Gulf Buccaneers at 7:00 p.m. Anclote has given up an average of 21.4 runs per game this season, so hopefully the team got some pitching drills in this week.

Anclote is headed into Thursday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their sixth straight game dating back to last season on Tuesday. They came up short against Academy at the Lakes, falling 29-0.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Gulf, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Monday. They walked away with a 6-2 victory over Boca Ciega on Wednesday. The win was some much needed relief for the Buccaneers as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.

Jeovanna Carter made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out 17 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing Two bases. while getting on base in all three of her plate appearances.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Julianna Carter, who scored two runs and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-4. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Alana Delaney, who went 2-for-3 with two triples and one RBI.

Gulf picked up their first home victory, bumping their record up to 2-4. As for Anclote, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-5.

Anclote suffered a grim 22-7 defeat to Gulf in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can Anclote avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.