The Menendez Falcons are taking a road trip to challenge the Mandarin Mustangs at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Neither Menendez nor Mandarin posted many runs in their last games, so it might be the pitching crews that decide this one.
Menendez managed to slip by Ponte Vedra the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Falcons lost 7-0 to the Sharks on Friday. The loss put an end to the Falcons' undefeated start to the season.
Menendez got a good showing from Wyatt Cleeton, who tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
At the plate, Menendez saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Ben Norton, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base and one double.
Meanwhile, Mandarin suffered their closest loss since March 17, 2025 on Friday. They fell just short of Sandalwood by a score of 4-2. The Mustangs haven't had much luck with the Saints recently, as the team has come up short the last five times they've met.
Mandarin also got a good showing from Gavin Loper, who pitched three innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. That's the fewest hits Loper has allowed since back in February of 2025.
Having lost for the first time this season, Menendez fell to 2-1. As for Mandarin, their defeat was their first of the season and also makes their record 2-1.
Tuesday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Menendez has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .495. However, it's not like Mandarin struggles in that department as they've averaged .477. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Menendez might still be hurting after the 10-1 loss they got from Mandarin in their previous matchup back in February of 2025. Can the Falcons avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
