Cocoa is 0-10 against Cocoa Beach since March of 2018 but things could change on Tuesday. The Tigers will challenge the Minutemen at 6:00 p.m. Cocoa has given up an average of 10.5 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Cocoa couldn't beat Astronaut on Wednesday even though they stacked six runs on them in the fifth inning. The Tigers lost 19-9 to the War Eagles.
Champ Smith was cooking despite his team's loss, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run. Douglas Garlick also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Meanwhile, Cocoa Beach came tearing into Thursday's contest with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 12.5 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They never let the Panthers get on the board and left with a 14-0 win. The Minutemen's pitching crew has been rock solid lately; the team hasn't given up a run in their last three games.
Parker Cress made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with two runs, one double, and one RBI. That's the most runs he has posted over his last seven matchups.
In other batting news, Kayden Dougherty was a standout: he went 1-for-3 with four RBI and one run. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Hayden Wilson, who went 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI.
Cocoa Beach always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .562. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .500 or higher in five consecutive contests.
Cocoa Beach's record now sits at 8-6. As for Cocoa, their loss dropped their record down to 4-7.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Cocoa has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .438. However, it's not like Cocoa Beach struggles in that department as they've averaged .460. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Cocoa suffered a grim 37-0 defeat to Cocoa Beach when the teams last played back in March of 2025. Can the Tigers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
