Baseball Game Preview: Gulf Coast Sharks vs. American Heritage Patriots

Gulf Coast is 0-4 against American Heritage since February of 2016 but things could change on Friday. The Sharks will be playing in front of their home fans against the Patriots at 6:30 p.m. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Gulf Coast 4, American Heritage 3.4) so any runs scored will be well earned.

Gulf Coast lost 8-2 to Bishop Verot on Wednesday.

Gulf Coast got a good showing from Jack Johnson, who tossed 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Johnson has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two hits in five consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Thomas Eaton was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for American Heritage, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They walked away with a 5-2 victory over West Broward on Wednesday.

Caden Garro looked comfortable as he pitched 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit.

On the hitting side, RJ Machado was excellent, scoring a run while going 1-for-2. Another player making a difference was Zack Wilson, who went 1-for-2 with three RBI and one double.

American Heritage's win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 16-6. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Gulf Coast, their loss dropped their record down to 11-9.

Gulf Coast came up short against American Heritage in their previous matchup back in March of 2024, falling 8-3. Will the Sharks have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.