The Pacifica Mariners will head out to square off against the El Modena Vanguards at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Pacifica's pitching crew has only allowed four runs per game this season, so El Modena's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Pacifica took a loss when they played away from home on Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Thursday. They walked away with a 4-1 win over Cypress. The Mariners have beaten the Centurions the last three times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Centurions has come to flipping the script.
Shay Kletke spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on six hits.
On the hitting side, Jenna Valladares was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one triple, one run, and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Abigail Amezquita, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Meanwhile, El Modena was able to grind out a solid victory over Canyon on Wednesday, taking the game 4-1.
El Modena also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Ashley Driskill gave up only one earned run on four hits and racked up eight Ks. Driskill has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 18 consecutive appearances.
At the plate, El Modena let Parker Mayes and Lucy Mitchell run wild. Mayes got on base in all three of her plate appearances with one home run, while Mitchell went 2-for-3 with two doubles, two RBI, and one run. That's the most RBI Mitchell has posted since back in March. Jocelyn Alatorre also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.
Pacifica's record is now 16-10. As for El Modena, their record now sits at 15-12.
Tuesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Pacifica hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .315. However, it's not like El Modena struggles in that department as they've averaged .320. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Pacifica was able to grind out a solid win over El Modena when the teams last played back in April, winning 3-0. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Mariners since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
