The New Smyrna Beach Barracudas will head out on the road to face off against the Menendez Falcons at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. New Smyrna Beach is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 6.9 runs per game this season.
In what's become a running theme this season, New Smyrna Beach gave their fans yet another huge victory on Tuesday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand Seabreeze a 9-0 shutout. The win was just what New Smyrna Beach needed coming off of a 17-0 loss in their prior contest.
Coral Hill made a big impact no matter where she played. She kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 14 over seven innings pitched. Hill has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in seven consecutive pitching appearances. Hill was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-3 with a home run, five RBI, and three runs.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Alyssa Layton, who scored two runs and stole three bases while going 2-for-4. Kelsi Dodge was another key contributor, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.
Meanwhile, Menendez was able to grind out a solid victory over Tocoi Creek on Tuesday, taking the game 4-1.
The team relied heavily on Karalina Hunter, who went 2-for-4 with a stolen base, a double, and an RBI.
The win got New Smyrna Beach back to even at 5-5. As for Menendez, their record is now 8-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both teams have some strikeout artists on the roster. New Smyrna Beach has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Menendez struggles in that department as they've been averaging 10.5. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
New Smyrna Beach might still be hurting after the 17-4 defeat they got from Menendez in their previous matchup back in March of 2023. Can New Smyrna Beach avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
