South Plantation is 0-10 against Cypress Bay since March of 2015 but things could change on Thursday. The Paladins will welcome the Lightning at 3:45 p.m. South Plantation is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.1 runs per game this season.
South Plantation took a eight-run defeat the last time they faced off against Monarch, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Paladins came out on top in a nail-biter against the Knights on Tuesday, sneaking past 6-4. The victory was some much needed relief for the Paladins as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
John McDevitt
| 03/18/25 @ Westminster Academy | 6 |
| 03/03/25 @ Cypress Bay | 3 |
| 02/13/25 @ Coral Glades | 3 |
| 02/25/25 @ Cooper City | 1 |
John McDevitt was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. South Plantation is 2-1 when McDevitt allows one or fewer hits, but 5-8 otherwise. McDevitt was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one home run.
In other batting news, Brady Gollan was excellent, scoring two runs while going 3-for-4.
South Plantation kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are 3-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, after soaring to ten runs the game before, Cypress Bay was a bit more limited in their match on Tuesday. They took a 6-1 hit to the loss column at the hands of West Broward. The Lightning's loss signaled the end of their eight-game winning streak.
Cypress Bay also got a good showing from Gabriel Tovar, who tossed 3.1 innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. Tovar has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two hits any time he's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, Shane Lester was cooking despite his team's loss, going a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run. That home run was his first of the season.
Cypress Bay's defeat dropped their record down to 13-7. As for South Plantation, their win bumped their record up to 7-9.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. South Plantation has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.4 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Cypress Bay struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
South Plantation couldn't quite get it done against Cypress Bay in their previous matchup back in March as they fell 6-2. Will the Paladins have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
