Softball Game Preview: Jurupa Valley Jaguars vs. Patriot Warriors

For the second straight game, Jurupa Valley will face off against Patriot. The Jaguars will welcome the Warriors at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday. The teams are rolling into the game with opposing streaks: Jurupa Valley has struggled recently with three defeats in a row, while Patriot will arrive with eight straight wins.

Jurupa Valley managed to slip by Patriot the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Jaguars came up short against the Warriors on Tuesday, falling 12-1.

For Patriot's part, Miley Gates was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out six batters over six innings while giving up just one earned run off five hits (and only one walk). Gates was also big at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two doubles. That's the most doubles she has posted since back in February of 2024.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Payton Maynard, who fired off two home runs, three runs, and four RBI while going 3-for-3. Another player making a difference was Jenelle Vera, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double.

Patriot lost a few balls and finished the game with three home runs. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Jurupa Valley didn't launched any home runs.

Patriot pushed their record up to 14-7 with the victory, which was their fifth straight at home. Those home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.8 runs on average over those games. As for Jurupa Valley, their loss dropped their record down to 10-9.