After flying high against Interlachen last Wednesday, Menendez came back down to earth. The Menendez Falcons fell just short of the Orange Park Raiders by a score of 7-6 on Thursday. Menendez was given a dose of their own medicine in this game as Orange Park apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in March.
Madelyn Brown was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: she struck out eight batters over six innings while giving up just two earned (and five unearned) runs off eight hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive pitching appearances.
At the plate, Rylan Degrande was cooking despite her team's loss, firing off two home runs, three RBI, and a triple while going 3-for-3. The team also got some help courtesy of Leann McCready, who went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.
Even though they lost, Menendez lost a few balls and finished the game with three home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.
On Orange Park's side, McKenna Bejarano spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and two unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up nine Ks.
On the hitting side, Zoe Pascoe was excellent, scoring two runs while going 2-for-4. Another player making a difference was Regan Barnett, who scored a run while going 2-for-3.
Menendez's loss ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 12-5. As for Orange Park, they are on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six contests, which provided a massive bump to their 12-9 record this season.
Menendez will look to defend their home field on Tuesday against St. Johns Country Day at 6:00 p.m. St. Johns Country Day will roll in looking for their eighth straight win, something Menendez surely won't give up without a fight. As for Orange Park, they will head out on the road to challenge Sandalwood at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
