Baseball Game Preview: Valley Center Jaguars vs. Escondido Cougars

For the second straight game, Valley Center will face off against Escondido. The Jaguars are taking a road trip to take on the Cougars at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Valley Center's pitching crew has only allowed 4.1 runs per game this season, so Escondido's hitters will have their work cut out for them.

Valley Center's usually-dominant pitching crew will be looking to make up for Wednesday's struggle, when Escondido hitters got past them. The Jaguars came up short against the Cougars on Wednesday, falling 13-1.

For Escondido's part, Ryder Taylor was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out nine batters over six innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and not a single walk). Taylor has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.

In other batting news, Ronnie Witt was incredible, going 2-for-5 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Nathan Manganiello, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs and two RBI.

Valley Center has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost six of their last eight matches. That's put a noticeable dent in their 12-11 record this season. As for Escondido, their record now sits at 17-7.