Manatee, Sarasota Roundup: Sarasota softball tops Parrish, Venice

A roundup of Manatee and Sarasota high school events for the week of March 30 to April 3, 2026. TUESDAY Baseball Venice 6, Barron Collier 2: Fresh off their second-place finish at the National High School Invitational, the Venice Indians baseball team won its 20th game of the season on Tuesday night, a 6-2 victory over visiting Naples Barron Collier at the Venice field. Ranked third in the MaxPreps National Rankings, Venice (20-1) got three runs in the third inning off Barron Collier (13-9), one in the fourth, and two more in the fifth.

Leadoff hitter August Backman had two doubles in the game and knocked in three runs. Shortstop Graham Houston had two hits and one RBI as the Indians finished with nine hits. Venice starting pitcher Macade Carey got the win, pitching the first 4.

2 innings, allowing one hit and two runs. The Indians are at Bishop Verot on Friday. Sarasota 5, Manatee 2: Tied at 2 in the fourth, a Mark Metcalf double scored one run, and a Kole Ayrault (2 for 3) single made it 5-2.

Nathan Handley-White pitched six innings in relief for Sarasota, allowing one hit, no runs while striking out 13 and walking two. Braedon Mackay went 3 for 3 with 3 doubles, a run, and an RBI. Jordan Roberts had a double and 2 RBIs for Manatee.