The Anclote Sharks will square off against the Lakewood Spartans at 4:00 p.m. on Monday.
For some reason, the away team has come away with the win the last four times Anclote and Tarpon Springs have met, but the home crowd finally got their W on Thursday. The Sharks fell just short of the Spongers by a score of 2-1.
Paul Ramos made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one triple and one run. The team also got some help courtesy of Anthony Ramos, who went 2-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
The home team had won the previous four meetings between Lakewood and Southeast, and Lakewood kept the tradition alive. The Spartans blew past the Seminoles 17-2 on Friday.
Jonathan Jacomino made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off one hit. What's more, he posted five strikeouts, the most he's had since back in February. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with three doubles, two runs, and two RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Lakewood's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 4-12 when he doesn't).
In other pitching news, Gavin Garisson looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Lakewood is 2-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 4-12 otherwise.
Back at the plate, Lakewood got a massive performance out of Kayetano Cavillo, who scored three runs and stole four bases while going 3-for-3. The Spartans are undefeated when Cavillo posts two or more stolen bases, but 3-13 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Mikal Morris, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, three doubles, and one RBI.
Lakewood always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .645. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Anclote's defeat was their third straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 6-18. As for Lakewood, their win bumped their record up to 6-13.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Anclote has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.2 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Lakewood struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.1 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Anclote suffered a grim 16-0 defeat to Lakewood when the teams last played back in February of 2018. Can the Sharks avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
