The Gulf Coast Sharks will challenge the Palmetto Ridge Bears at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Gulf Coast will aim to continue their three-game streak of scoring more runs each match than the last.
Last Wednesday, Gulf Coast was able to grind out a solid win over Cypress Lake, taking the game 8-3.
Taylor Stalling was a major factor no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off eight hits. Stalling was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Nelinka Lambcke, who went 2-for-4 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. Hannah Rearden was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
Meanwhile, two teams were on the hunt for playoff glory, but only Palmetto Ridge walked away with it. They never let the Titans get on the board and left with a 19-0 victory on Monday. The Bears' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Like Gulf Coast, Palmetto Ridge also got a great game from a two-way player: Tessa Delashmet. She struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Delashmet has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in eight consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, Karsyn Walters was a standout: she got on base in two of her three plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. That's the most stolen bases she has posted since back in February of 2024. Another player making a difference was Skyler Howell, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple.
Palmetto Ridge always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .739. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Golden Gate only posted an OBP of .200.
Gulf Coast pushed their record up to 18-3 with the win, which was their eighth straight on the road. Those road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 4.0 runs on average over those games. As for Palmetto Ridge, the win snapped their losing streak at five games and leaves them with a 9-11 record.
Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Gulf Coast hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .333. However, it's not like Palmetto Ridge struggles in that department as they've averaged .344. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Gulf Coast took their victory against Palmetto Ridge in their previous matchup on April 8th by a conclusive 9-3 score. Will the Sharks repeat their success, or do the Bears have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
