Cocoa Beach is 2-8 against Space Coast since March of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Tuesday. After both having extra time off, the two teams will shake off the rust and duke it out at 7:15 p.m. Cocoa Beach is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 11.8 runs per game this season.
While Cocoa Beach didn't have the best season last year (they finished 6-15), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They walked away with a 12-7 win over Cocoa last Thursday. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Minutemen.
Zoe Vella was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She pitched three innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. Vella was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Ryleigh Hattrup was a standout: she scored a run while going 1-for-4. She also hit a double, marking her first of the season. Naomi Knight was another key player, going 1-for-4 with one triple and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Space Coast entered their matchup against Merritt Island last Thursday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. Space Coast fell 8-5 to Merritt Island. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since April 12, 2021, but that streak is no more.
Space Coast saw seven different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Olivia St. Germain, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 1-for-3. Another was Abby Minear, who went 1-for-4 with one triple and one run.
Cocoa Beach's victory bumped their record up to 6-4. As for Space Coast, their defeat dropped their record down to an identical 6-4.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Cocoa Beach has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Space Coast struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 4.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Cocoa Beach might still be hurting after the 15-0 loss they got from Space Coast in their previous matchup back in February. Will Cocoa Beach have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more softball content.
