Riverview Sarasota and Port Charlotte are an even 3-3 against one another since February of 2015, but likely not for long. The Riverview Sarasota Rams will venture away from home to face off against the Port Charlotte Pirates at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Neither of those teams managed to put together many runs in their previous contests, so the offenses might be a little more motivated than usual.
On Thursday, Riverview Sarasota came up short against Braden River and fell 4-1. The Rams have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Morgan Peggs
| 02/20/25 vs Braden River | 6 |
| 02/14/25 @ Sarasota | 5 |
| 04/30/24 vs Lakewood Ranch | 0 |
| 04/24/24 vs Sarasota | 5 |
| 04/19/24 @ IMG Academy Royal | 2 |
| 04/12/24 vs Barron Collier | 6 |
Morgan Peggs was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: he struck out six batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off two hits. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in April of 2024.
On the hitting side, Riverview Sarasota saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was JR Hudson, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base. What's more, Hudson posted two hits, the most he's had since back in March of 2024.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Port Charlotte, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand South Fort Myers a 2-0 shutout on Wednesday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Pirates have posted since April 2, 2024.
Reed Backstrom was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run over seven innings pitched. Backstrom was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 1-for-2. He also put up a double, which washis first of the season.
Port Charlotte's record is now 3-1. As for Riverview Sarasota, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Riverview Sarasota has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Port Charlotte struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Riverview Sarasota couldn't quite finish off Port Charlotte in their previous matchup back in February of 2024 and fell 6-4. Can Riverview Sarasota avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
