Baseball Game Preview: Maria Carrillo Pumas vs. Cardinal Newman Cardinals

Maria Carrillo is 0-10 against Cardinal Newman since May of 2021 but things could change on Friday. The Pumas will look to defend their home field against the Cardinals at 4:00 p.m. Maria Carrillo is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.5 runs per game this season.

Maria Carrillo took a loss when they played away from home on Saturday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Thursday. They walked away with a 5-1 win over Ukiah.

Eli Jamieson

Batters Struck Out (Career)

04/03/25 vs Ukiah	7
03/26/25 vs Rancho Cotate	6
03/07/25 vs American Canyon	4
03/19/25 vs Ukiah	1
03/25/24 @ American Canyon	1

Eli Jamieson was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off five hits. Those seven strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-4.

Jamieson wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Tristan Jordan, who scored a run while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. Landon Diehm also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.

Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Cardinal Newman duked it out with Rancho Cotate on Wednesday. The Cardinals won by a run and slipped past the Cougars 8-7. That's two games straight that the Cardinals have won by just one run.

The team relied heavily on Chase Bromstad, who scored four runs and stole three bases while going 2-for-4. Matai Fa'agata was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-4.

Cardinal Newman now has a winning record of 5-4-1. As for Maria Carrillo, their victory bumped their record up to 8-4.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Maria Carrillo has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Cardinal Newman struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Maria Carrillo suffered a grim 12-1 defeat to Cardinal Newman in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Will the Pumas have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.