Milton and Niceville are an even 5-5 against one another since March of 2016, but likely not for long. The Panthers will square off against the Eagles at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Milton is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Monday. They had just enough and edged out Gulf Breeze 7-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Panthers have posted since February 21st.
Saylor Melton
| 02/28/25 vs Pace | 4 |
| 04/03/25 @ Gulf Breeze | 3 |
| 03/26/25 @ Pace | 3 |
| 03/13/25 vs Pensacola Catholic | 3 |
| 03/18/25 vs Escambia | 2 |
| + 4 more games |
Saylor Melton and Brayden Barrow were a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Melton pitched five innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off seven hits. Meanwhile, Barrow tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Melton also tossed a walk, which is notable because Milton is undefeated when he allows at most one walk, but 7-12 otherwise. At bat, Melton got on base in four of his five plate appearances, while Barrow scored a run while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, Cade Burdette was excellent, scoring a run while going 2-for-3. Another player making a difference was Harley Messer, who scored two runs while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Fans were treated to a battle of the Eagles on Monday. Niceville put the hurt on Pine Forest with a sharp 14-1 win. Niceville might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 11 matchups by seven runs or more this season.
David Colwell looked comfortable as he tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one hit in nine consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Jackson Marquardt was a standout: he went a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, three RBI, and one triple. That home run was his first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Caleb Early, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple.
Niceville has been performing incredibly well recently as they've won eight of their last nine contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 22-4 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.3 runs over those games. As for Milton, their record is now 10-12.
Milton beat Niceville 7-4 when the teams last played back in February. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Panthers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
