The Somerset Academy Panthers will take on the American Patriots at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. The last six games Somerset Academy has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
Fans were treated to a battle of the Panthers on Wednesday. Somerset Academy fell just short of Coral Springs Charter by a score of 10-9. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last five times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Somerset Academy got a good showing from Luis Rivera, who pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Rivera has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than one earned run any time he's pitched this season.
At the plate, Jon Mora was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April of 2024. Orlando Ramos also deserves some recognition as he got his first hits of the season.
Even though they lost, Somerset Academy was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .452. This was only their first loss (out of three games) when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Meanwhile, American was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They came up short against Hialeah Gardens, falling 10-0. The game marked the first time this year in which the Patriots were not able to get on the board.
Somerset Academy has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 5-5 record this season. Even worse, they were so close so many times: the losses came by an average of only 1.5 runs. American's record now sits at 1-4.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Somerset Academy has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like American struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.6 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Somerset Academy was able to grind out a solid victory over American in their previous meeting back in March of 2024, winning 6-1. Does Somerset Academy have another victory up their sleeve, or will American turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
