University Prep and West Valley are an even 5-5 against one another since March of 2019, but likely not for long. The Panthers will challenge the Eagles at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as University Prep comes in on five and West Valley on 13.
University Prep's pitching crew heads into the contest hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Thursday. They put the hurt on Central Valley with a sharp 10-0 victory. The Panthers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 11 games by six runs or more this season.
Jacob Lindell
| 04/24/25 vs Central Valley | 9 |
| 04/07/25 @ Lassen | 8 |
| 03/25/25 vs Orland | 8 |
| 04/03/25 vs Fall River | 7 |
| 03/28/24 vs Yreka | 7 |
Jacob Lindell tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out nine over five innings pitched. Those nine strikeouts gave him a new career-high.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Kaos Martin, who went 1-for-2 with three runs, one triple, and one RBI. That's the most runs he has posted since back in March. Another player making a difference was Brennen Battle, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
University Prep always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .571. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Central Valley only posted an OBP of .167.
Meanwhile, West Valley's rock-solid pitchers showed up for the team's sixth consecutive shutout on Friday. Everything went their way against Anderson as they made off with a 16-0 win. The Eagles are also no stranger to big wins: their blowout was the 11th matchup they've won by 6+ runs this season.
Manny Sleezer and Bryton Miller were major factors no matter where they played. Throwing, Sleezer tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Meanwhile, Miller pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Sleezer has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. At the plate, Sleezer went 2-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI, while Miller got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Gunner Church was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs, three RBI, and one triple. The team also got some help courtesy of Kale Springer, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double.
West Valley's victory was their seventh straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 15-3. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.6 runs over those games. As for University Prep, their record now sits at 16-6-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. University Prep has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like West Valley struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
University Prep suffered a grim 14-4 defeat to West Valley in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
