The Zephyrhills Bulldogs are taking a road trip to challenge the Cypress Creek Coyotes at 6:30 p.m. on Monday. Zephyrhills has given up an average of 8.9 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Friday just wasn't the day for Zephyrhills' offense. They came up short against Palm Harbor University on Friday, falling 14-0. Having soared to a lofty 19 runs in the game before, the Bulldogs' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Cypress Creek and Wesley Chapel meet (three straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Thursday. The Coyotes had just enough and edged out the Wildcats 3-1.
Cypress Creek got a great performance from Colin McGee as he tossed six innings while giving up just one earned run off seven hits. McGee has been consistent : he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time he's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, Deacon Turpin was excellent, going 1-for-4 with one home run and three RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Gavyn Mullis, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Zephyrhills has been struggling recently as they've lost six of their last eight matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-14 record this season. Those losses can't be blamed on the team's hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 6.9 runs over those games. As for Cypress Creek, they are on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 10-8 record this season.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Zephyrhills has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Cypress Creek struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Zephyrhills suffered a grim 10-0 defeat to Cypress Creek when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Bulldogs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
