The Varela Vipers will square off against the ABF Academy Homestead Bandits at 3:30 p.m. on Monday. The timing is sure in Varela's favor as the team sits on six straight wins at home (dating back to last season) while ABF Academy Homestead has been banged up by five consecutive losses on the road.
Last Thursday, Varela was able to grind out a solid victory over Monsignor Pace, taking the game 5-1.
Luis Sosa made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. That's the first time he hasn't allowed a single hit since back in March of 2024. He was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.
Andy Espinoza
| 03/05/25 @ Westminster Christian | 4 |
| 02/27/25 @ American Heritage | 3 |
| 03/13/25 vs Monsignor Pace | 1 |
| 02/21/25 vs Dade Christian | 1 |
In other pitching news, Andy Espinoza looked comfortable as he pitched four innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. He has become a key player for Varela: the team is undefeated when he allows at most one earned run, but 3-4-1 otherwise.
Back at the plate, Alejandro Ponte and Yoidi Martinez did most of the damage at the plate: Ponte scored a run while going 3-for-4, while Martinez scored two runs while going 2-for-3. That's the most hits Ponte has posted since back in April of 2024.
Varela hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post two or more strikeouts.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask ABF Academy Homestead). They skirted past Providence Day 16-15. The win was some much needed relief for the Bandits as it spelled an end to their five-game losing streak.
ABF Academy Homestead got a massive performance out of Adrian Gallardo, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. Another player making a difference was Farens Wooter, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 4-for-6.
Varela's victory bumped their record up to 7-4-1. As for ABF Academy Homestead, their win bumped their record up to 2-9.
Varela skirted past ABF Academy Homestead 1-0 in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Does Varela have another victory up their sleeve, or will ABF Academy Homestead turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
