The Parker Braves will face off against the Yulee Hornets at 6:30 p.m. on Monday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Parker took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Wednesday. They were the clear victors by a 20-5 margin over Harvest Community. The victory was a breath of fresh air for the Braves as it put an end to their four-game losing streak.
Yaxiel Santiago
| 04/09/25 vs Harvest Community | 4 |
| 03/25/25 @ Westside | 3 |
| 03/26/25 @ Riverside | 2 |
| 03/18/25 vs Concord Christian | 2 |
| 03/04/25 vs Cedar Creek Christian | 2 |
| + 8 more games |
Yaxiel Santiago and Marcus Cuyler did most of the damage at the plate: Santiago scored four runs and stole two bases while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances, while Cuyler scored four runs and stole three bases while going 3-for-3. Santiago is becoming a predictor of Parker's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 2-11 when he doesn't). Billy Cummings was another key player, scoring three runs while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
They weren't the only one making solid contact: Parker kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 16 hits. That's the most hits they've posted since back in April of 2024.
Meanwhile, while Yulee put up plenty of runs on Thursday, the same can't be said for Westside. The Hornets put the hurt on the Wolverines with a sharp 17-0 win. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Hornets considering their two-run performance the matchup before.
Braden Valenteen and Alex Davis made a splash while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Valenteen pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Davis pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Valenteen has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two hits in five consecutive appearances. At the plate, Valenteen scored a run while going 1-for-1, while Davis scored a run while going 1-for-2. What's more, Davis posted two RBI, the most he's had since back in March.
In other batting news, Jared Malphrus was a standout: he scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-2. That's the most hits he has posted since back in March. Brodie Nichols also deserves some recognition as he hit his first triple of the season.
Yulee is on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 14-11 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.8 runs on average over those games. As for Parker, the win got them back to even at 11-11.
Monday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Parker has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .485. However, it's not like Yulee struggles in that department as they've averaged .432. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
