Baseball Game Preview: Flagler Palm Coast Bulldogs vs. Matanzas Pirates

Flagler Palm Coast is 9-1 against Matanzas since March of 2019 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Flagler Palm Coast Bulldogs will head out on the road to face off against the Matanzas Pirates at 7:00 p.m. Flagler Palm Coast will be strutting in after a win while Matanzas will be coming in after a loss.

Flagler Palm Coast took a seven-run defeat the last time they faced off against East River, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. Flagler Palm Coast had just enough and edged out East River 2-1 on Wednesday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Bulldogs have posted since April 25, 2024.

Jordan Gonzalez

Earned Runs

03/04/25 vs St. Johns Country Day	4
02/25/25 vs Viera	3
02/18/25 vs DeLand	2
02/10/25 vs Trinity Christian Academy	2
03/12/25 vs East River	1

Jordan Gonzalez tossed a big game, tossing five innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. He has become a key player for Flagler Palm Coast: the team is 2-1 when he allows at most two earned runs, but 2-8 otherwise.

On the hitting side, Marion Clayton was excellent, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and one RBI. Flagler Palm Coast is 2-1 when Clayton posts two or more stolen bases, but 2-8 otherwise.

Meanwhile, Matanzas came up short against Atlantic on Tuesday, falling 14-3. The Pirates have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Matanzas' loss dropped their record down to 1-11. As for Flagler Palm Coast, their win bumped their record up to 4-9.

Flagler Palm Coast took their victory against Matanzas in their previous meeting back in March of 2024 by a conclusive 10-3. The rematch might be a little tougher for Flagler Palm Coast since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.