Matanzas won the last time they faced Palatka, and things went their way on Tuesday too. The Matanzas Pirates skirted past the Palatka Panthers 5-4. The victory made it back-to-back wins for Matanzas.
Josh Cope was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over 5.2 innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits (and only one walk). Cope was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with three RBI and a double.
In other pitching news, Seth Avellar looked comfortable as he pitched an inning while giving up no earned runs or hits (he also only allowed one walk).
Cope wasn't the only one making solid contact as two players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Wiley Conner, who scored a run while going 1-for-3.
On Palatka's side, Cole Cumbus was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: he struck out seven batters over 5.2 innings while giving up four earned (and one unearned) runs off only two hits. Cumbus has been consistent recently: he hasn't pitched less than five innings in four consecutive pitching appearances.
At the plate, Jace Akers was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-3 with a stolen base, a double, and an RBI. Tanner Ortiz was another key contributor, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 1-for-3.
Matanzas' win bumped their record up to 8-9. As for Palatka, their defeat ended a four-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 7-12.
Matanzas will take on Father Lopez at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Father Lopez's pitching crew has only allowed four runs per game this season, so Matanzas' hitters will have their work cut out for them. As for Palatka, they will head out on the road to challenge Tocoi Creek at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
