The Monsignor Pace Spartans will head out to challenge the Miami Springs Golden Hawks at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Monsignor Pace 3.9, Miami Springs 1.3) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Monsignor Pace is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. They blew past Cardinal Gibbons 14-2. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Spartans.
The team relied heavily on Robert Kramer, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, two RBI, and one double. Yuniel Paredes was another key player, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Monsignor Pace kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Cardinal Gibbons only managed seven hits.
Meanwhile, Miami Springs won against iMater Charter on Monday with six runs and they decided to stick to that run total again on Tuesday. The Golden Hawks didn't even let the Knights on the board, marking the Golden Hawks' second-straight 6-0 shutout. The Golden Hawks might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight matchups by six runs or more this season.
Miami Springs also got a great performance from Kevin Roque as he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out ten over six innings pitched. Roque has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Jordany Gonzalez was excellent, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one stolen base, one double, and one RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Magdiel Estevez, who went 1-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Monsignor Pace's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 17-11. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.0 runs over those games. As for Miami Springs, they are on a roll lately: they've won ten of their last 11 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 22-3 record this season.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Monsignor Pace has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Miami Springs struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Monsignor Pace beat Miami Springs 9-5 when the teams last played back in March of 2016. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Spartans since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
