Pinellas Park hasn't had much luck against Osceola recently, but that could start to change on Wednesday. The Patriots will head out to take on the Warriors at 7:00 p.m. The last three games Pinellas Park has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
While Pinellas Park's victory against Bell Creek Academy wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Patriots had just enough and edged out the Panthers 4-2.
Nathan Timpe looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs off one hit. What's more, he posted two strikeouts, the most he's had since back in February.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Daunte Dixon, who scored two runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-3. That's the most runs he has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Dane Merryweather, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base and two RBI.
Meanwhile, Osceola unfortunately witnessed the end of their four-game winning streak on Tuesday. They took a 7-4 hit to the loss column at the hands of River Ridge.
Richard Stegbauer was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two hits in four consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases.
Stegbauer wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Easton Stegbauer, who went 2-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
Pinellas Park's record now sits at 10-13-1. As for Osceola, their defeat dropped their record down to 13-10.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Pinellas Park has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Osceola struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Pinellas Park couldn't quite get it done against Osceola in their previous meeting back in March of 2024 as they fell 6-3. Can the Patriots avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
