The Goleman Gators are taking a road trip to take on the Miami Beach Hi-Tides at 3:30 p.m. on Monday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
On Friday, Goleman got the win against Flanagan by a conclusive 18-3. With that victory, the Gators brought their scoring average up to 6.8 runs per game.
Olivia Mata was a standout: she got on base in all four of her plate appearances with one home run, five RBI, and two runs. Those five RBI gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Aracely Escoto, who scored three runs and stole four bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
Goleman always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .839. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Miami Beach, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Wednesday. They blew past Miami Springs 16-1 on Thursday. Considering the Hi-Tides have won eight matchups by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Maricela Mesarina made a splash no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while getting on base in two of her four plate appearances.
In other batting news, Miami Beach got a massive performance out of Angelina Murillo, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-1. Rebecca Baldi was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
Miami Beach is on a roll lately: they've won seven of their last nine games. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-3 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 13.0 runs over those games. As for Goleman, their record now sits at 4-10.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Goleman has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 7.5 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Miami Beach struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Goleman suffered a grim 18-3 defeat to Miami Beach in their previous matchup back in March. Can the Gators avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
