The Maranatha Minutemen will challenge the Vista Murrieta Broncos at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Maranatha has given up an average of 6.9 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Maranatha's last matchup with Northview could've gone either way, but unfortunately the same can't be said for the pair's matchup on Friday. Maranatha lost 12-5 to Northview.
Matthew Vazquez was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: he struck out six batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits (and not a single walk). Furthermore, he didn't allow a single walk, the first time he has blanked an opponent since back in April of 2024.
At the plate, Eric Zdunek was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April of 2024.
Meanwhile, Vista Murrieta's hitters rose to the challenge against a Titans pitching crew that boasted an average of only 2.62 runs allowed on Saturday. Vista Murrieta blew past Temescal Canyon 16-2. Considering the Broncos have won four contests by more than five runs this season, Saturday's blowout was nothing new.
Gavin Kramer and Michael Velardez made a big impact while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Kramer tossed two innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. Meanwhile, Velardez tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Kramer has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. At bat, Kramer went 2-for-4 with six RBI, one run, and one double, while Velardez went 3-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base.
In other pitching news, Dylan Berentis looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks any time he's pitched this season.
Back at the plate, RJ Holmes and Ryland Duson did most of the damage at the plate: Holmes scored three runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-4, while Duson scored two runs while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances. Derrick Kraus was another key player, scoring two runs while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Vista Murrieta kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Temescal Canyon only managed four hits.
Vista Murrieta is on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five games. That somehow still isn't as good as their 7-1-1 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.2 runs over those games. Maranatha's defeat dropped their record down to 2-4-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Maranatha has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Vista Murrieta struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
