Collegiate Summer Ball: New Smyrna Gnarlies v. St. Augustine Sardines tonight in New Smyrna Beach & a look around the league

Recently, I had the pleasure of taking in my second NS Gnarlies game. They play in the new wood bat Orange State League. The Florida-based league features collegiate players who exhibit a good deal of hustle in a run-and-gun playing style.

What I found the same at both games was the beautiful Florida evenings, highlighted by the setting sun, light breeze, a friendly crowd, cheers of encouragement from coaches, players, and fans, and affordably priced tickets. It adds up to the Gnarlies' home games at the New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex being a great experience.

The last-place Gnarlies look to break a four-game losing streak against the first-place St. Augustine Sardines. St. Augustine has lost two in a row.

Unfortunately, the Gnarlies are in last place within the four-team league with a 4-10 record.

It is the oldest city in the continental U.S. that has the best team in the Orange State League, St. Augustine. The Sardines are up on top with an 11-4 record, followed by the hottest team in the league, the Cocoa Tailgators, who’ve won four in a row to raise their record to 8-8. A half-game behind the Tailgators, in third are the Palm Coast Big Buoys at 7-8.

The Gnarlies' next home game is tonight. The game has intrigue as the Gnarlies will try to break a four-game losing streak against the first-place Sardines. Two of St. Augustine's four losses have come at the hands of the Gnarlies. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at the aforementioned New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex.

The Scene at the New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex, home of the NS Gnarlies, in a Thursday, July 9.

On the year, New Smyrna has averaged 7.6 runs per game while allowing 10.1. St. Augustine checks in with an 11.5 runs-per-game average whilst getting dinged for 6.7 runs per game. Just for kicks, those stats indicate a final score of St. Augustine Sardines 11 – New Smyrna Gnarlies.

Charles I. Guarria is an author, reporter and host based in the state of Florida, USA, covering any topic, anywhere in the world. His career began in 2009. Mr. Guarria is a three-time winner of Emerald Group Publishing’s Highly Commended Award and host of The Opinion Guy Fun Friendly Informative. He is available for hire to write, research, or beta-read. 

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Photo Credits: Me, New Smyrna Gnarlies

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