Exeter is 2-8 against Immanuel since April of 2021 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Monarchs will look to defend their home field against the Eagles at 4:00 p.m. Exeter is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.5 runs per game this season.
Exeter will roll into the contest after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Friday, then bounced right back against Central Valley Christian on Tuesday. The Monarchs put the hurt on the Cavaliers with a sharp 17-7 victory. The win continues a trend for the Monarchs in their matchups with the Cavaliers: they've now won five in a row.
Chloe Sparrow
| 04/14/26 @ Central Valley Christian | 13 |
| 04/10/26 @ Reedley | 9 |
| 04/08/26 @ Sierra Pacific | 10 |
| 03/31/26 vs Woodlake | 6 |
| 03/31/26 vs Avenal | 10 |
| + 17 more games |
Chloe Sparrow made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out 13 batters over five innings while giving up three earned (and four unearned) runs off six hits. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of her six plate appearances with two runs.
In other batting news, Madi Concha was a standout: she went 2-for-4 with three runs, four RBI, and one stolen base. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Maddie Avelar, who went 2-for-4 with three runs, one triple, and one RBI.
Exeter hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They are a perfect 8-0 when they post two or more strikeouts.
Meanwhile, Tuesday just wasn't the day for Immanuel's offense. They lost 10-0 to Selma on Tuesday. While getting shut out isn't ideal, the Eagles haven't been shut out since back in March.
Immanuel's loss dropped their record down to 9-5. As for Exeter, their victory was their first in the league, bumping their league record up to 1-2 and their overall record up to 14-8.
Thursday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Exeter hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .354. However, it's not like Immanuel struggles in that department as they've averaged .318. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Exeter suffered a grim 11-1 defeat to Immanuel when the teams last played back in April of 2025. Can the Monarchs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
