Chaminade-Madonna is preparing for their first district matchup of the season on Tuesday. They will be playing in front of their home fans against the Florida Christian Patriots at 3:30 p.m. Chaminade-Madonna is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.5 runs per game this season.
While Chaminade-Madonna's victory against Everglades wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. Chaminade-Madonna came out on top in a nail-biter against Everglades on Monday, sneaking past 4-2. The Lions haven't had any issues with the Gators recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.
AJ Vargas was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. What's more, he posted three strikeouts, the most he's had since back in February of 2024. He was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing Two bases. while going 1-for-3.
In other pitching news, Manny Delaosa looked comfortable as he didn't allow a single earned run while striking out six over four innings pitched. What's more, he gave up only one walk, the fewest he's had since back in April of 2024.
Vargas wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Trace Zalman, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3. John Scott Bishop was another, scoring a run and stealing a base while getting on base in two of his four plate appearances.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Florida Christian). They were the clear victor by a 14-4 margin over Sunset on Friday. The victory was nothing new for the Patriots as they're now sitting on three straight.
Alexi Ramirez looked comfortable as he pitched 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Andrew Sanchez, who scored five runs and stole a base while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances. He also put up two doubles, which were his first of the season. Another player making a difference was David Suarez, who scored two runs and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-4.
Florida Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .674. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in three consecutive matchups.
Florida Christian's win was their seventh straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 6-2. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.6 runs on average over those games. As for Chaminade-Madonna, their victory bumped their record up to 9-2.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Chaminade-Madonna has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Florida Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
