The Melbourne Central Catholic Hustlers will take on the Merritt Island Mustangs at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The last four games Melbourne Central Catholic has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
While Melbourne Central Catholic's victory against Heritage wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. Melbourne Central Catholic skirted past Heritage 9-8. With that win, the Hustlers brought their scoring average up to 6.1 runs per game.
Cole Carroll
| 02/19/25 @ Astronaut | 3 |
| 03/24/25 vs Heritage | 2 |
| 02/13/25 @ Space Coast | 2 |
| 02/11/25 vs Satellite | 2 |
| 03/06/25 @ Bayside | 1 |
| + 1 more games |
The team relied heavily on Cole Carroll, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 2-for-4. He has become a key player for Melbourne Central Catholic: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 4-6 otherwise. Jayden McNamara was another key player, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Merritt Island, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Wednesday. They blew past Titusville 15-6 on Tuesday. The result was nothing new for the Mustangs, who have now won six matchups by eight runs or more so far this season.
Grant Arnold made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). That's the fewest hits he has allowed since back in February. He was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 2-for-4. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in RBI (three).
In other pitching news, Asher Anderson looked comfortable as he pitched 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two hits in seven consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, Jayce Brandes was incredible, going 2-for-4 with three runs, four RBI, and one triple. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Liam Miller, who scored a run while going 2-for-4.
Merritt Island has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six games. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-5 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.0 runs over those games. Melbourne Central Catholic's win ended a three-game drought at home and bumped them up to 8-6.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Melbourne Central Catholic has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Merritt Island struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Melbourne Central Catholic might still be hurting after the 10-0 loss they got from Merritt Island in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Will Melbourne Central Catholic have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
