Manatee is 2-8 against Lakewood Ranch since March of 2018 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 7:00 p.m. Manatee is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.
Manatee is headed into Tuesday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fourth straight game last Tuesday. They fell 9-4 to North Port.
Mercedes VanTassel made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3. That stolen base was her first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Jenna Caldwell, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-3.
Meanwhile, Lakewood Ranch had to endure a three-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. Everything went their way against Cardinal Mooney last Friday as Lakewood Ranch made off with a 12-2 victory.
Lexi Meneely was a major factor no matter where she played. She pitched six innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in strikeouts (five). She was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 3-for-4.
In other batting news, Kendal McCoy was incredible, scoring three runs while going 2-for-4. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in RBI (three). Ainsley McCoy was another key player, going 1-for-2 with two runs and one triple.
Lakewood Ranch was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .400. They are 3-1 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Lakewood Ranch's record is now 4-7. As for Manatee, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-5.
Tuesday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Manatee hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .349. However, it's not like Lakewood Ranch struggles in that department as they've averaged .331. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Manatee's way against Lakewood Ranch in their previous matchup back in March of 2024, as Manatee made off with a 13-3 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for Manatee since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
