by : Jay Recher
@jayRecher
Tampa Catholic
TC is on an unexpected four-game losing streak, but a trip to see the Terrapins might be just what the doctor ordered to get the ship headed in the right direction with district playoffs right around the corner. The last time these teams met -- three weeks ago to be exact -- the Crusaders came away with a 15-8 victory and will look to duplicate their efforts on Tuesday. Tampa Catholic will likely turn to their ace Conor Grady to put Monday's tough 10-2 loss to Palmetto behind them. The FSU commit is an absolute bulldog on the mound and will definitely do his part in bringing home the win, but the offensive help from his fellow seniors Mitch Carter and Calvin Rucker could mean the difference in the game.
Tampa Prep
The Terrapins will try and build off of their 2-0 win over St. Francis (NY) on Monday to defeat their district rivals on Tuesday. Griffin Ravo was masterful for Tampa Prep against the visitors from up north, throwing a complete game shutout giving up only four hits in the contest. JD Urso and Landon Schabes each picked up a hit and a run scored and will need to be a big factor on offense as they are likely facing one of the top pitchers around in TC's Grady on Tuesday. With Ravo throwing on Monday, Coach Hendrix has an interesting decision to make as to who he will throw against the Crusaders. Does he go with Schabes? Or does he turn to sophomore Gilbert Marquis, who two starts ago threw a complete game shutout against Berkeley?
Throw the records out the window when these two teams go head-to-head. I've coached players on each of these clubs and know that they will go all-out to bring home the W on Tuesday!