The Innovation Bulls will take on the Gateway Panthers at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The two teams are strolling into their matchups after big wins in their previous games.
Innovation barely beat Lake Nona the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Bulls put the hurt on the Lions with a sharp 9-2 win two weeks ago.
Tyler Nunez
| 04/01/26 @ Lake Nona | 4 |
| 03/02/26 vs Freedom | 4 |
Tyler Nunez made a big impact no matter where he played. He pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. What's more, he posted four strikeouts, the most he's had since back in March. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and one run. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games he's played.
In other pitching news, Innovation got a great performance from Jometh Morales as he struck out nine batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits (and not a single walk). Morales also tossed no walks, which is notable because the Bulls are undefeated when he allows at most one walk, but 3-5 otherwise.
Back at the plate, Matthew Graci and Luis Sebastian Rodriguez did most of the damage at the plate: Graci got on base in all four of his plate appearances with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI, while Rodriguez went 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. That's the most stolen bases Graci has posted since back in February. Andres Segura was another key player, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
Innovation always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .526. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Lake Nona only posted an OBP of .286.
Meanwhile, Gateway had to endure a three-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They blew past Kathleen 13-2 on Tuesday.
Gage Gregg looked comfortable as he pitched three innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Adrian Just, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with four runs, four RBI, and two doubles. Another player making a difference was Aaron Green, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with four runs and two stolen bases.
Innovation's victory bumped their record up to 11-5. As for Gateway, their win bumped their record up to 7-14.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Innovation has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Gateway struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Innovation beat Gateway 5-0 when the teams last played back in March. Will the Bulls repeat their success, or do the Panthers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
