The Everglades Gators will square off against the Somerset Academy Panthers at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Everglades' hitters haven't had much luck over their past three contests, but Thursday's matchup will give them a chance to turn things around.
Everglades came into their game on Friday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They lost 12-2 to Palmetto.
Jayden Heath made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with two doubles, one stolen base, and one run.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Somerset Academy). They never let Hialeah Educational Academy get on the board and left with a 17-0 win on Tuesday. The Panthers have beaten the Biggie the last seven times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Biggie has come to flipping the script.
Miguel Gonzalez looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits any time he's pitched this season.
At the plate, Jon Mora was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs, four RBI, and one triple. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Brayden Ordonez, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs, one double, and one RBI.
Somerset Academy kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in six consecutive games.
Everglades' defeat dropped their record down to 3-6. As for Somerset Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 6-2.
Thursday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Everglades hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .327. However, it's not like Somerset Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .385. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everglades was able to grind out a solid win over Somerset Academy in their previous meeting back in March of 2024, winning 6-2. Do the Gators have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Panthers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
