The Everglades Gators will challenge the Monarch Knights at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.
On Monday, Everglades came up short against South Plantation and fell 7-3. The Gators have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Jayden Heath put in work no matter where he played. On the mound, he pitched 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. That's the fewest hits he has allowed since back in February. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one stolen base and one run.
Heath wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Bryan Peralta, who went 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double. Jose Delgado also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Meanwhile, Monarch came into Tuesday's matchup having lost seven straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They put the hurt on Deerfield Beach with a sharp 11-5 win on Tuesday. The Knights not only won on Tuesday, but they posted their biggest win since February 18th (when they won 13-1).
Nathan Zolnowski looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Monarch is 3-1 when Zolnowski allows one or fewer earned runs, but 1-11 otherwise.
On the hitting side, Yamil Alba was incredible, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with four stolen bases and two runs. He has become a key player for Monarch: the team is 3-1 when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 1-11 otherwise. Noel Soledispa was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI.
Everglades' loss dropped their record down to 5-11. As for Monarch, their victory bumped their record up to 4-12.
Monarch's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Everglades hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .322. It's a different story for Monarch, though, as they've only averaged .191. Will they be able to contain Everglades' hitters?
Everything went Everglades' way against Monarch in their previous matchup back in February of 2025, as Everglades made off with a 19-2 win. Will the Gators repeat their success, or do the Knights have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
