The Reedley Pirates will be taking part in a tournament against the Red Bluff Spartans at 1:00 p.m. on Monday. Reedley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.1 runs per game this season.
Reedley took a ten-run defeat the last time they faced off against Immanuel, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Pirates sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 6-5 victory over the Eagles on Friday. The win was some much needed relief for the Pirates as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
Cole Betancourt
| 04/11/25 vs Immanuel | 2 |
| 04/02/25 vs Selma | 1 |
| 03/25/25 vs Mendota | 1 |
| 03/18/25 @ Dos Palos | 1 |
| 03/08/25 vs Mt. Whitney | 1 |
| + 2 more games |
The team relied heavily on Cole Betancourt, who went 2-for-4 with one triple, two RBI, and one run. That's the most hits he has posted since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Eli Jarrett, who scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Red Bluff had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 7 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Friday. They never let the Cougars get on the board and left with a 2-0 victory. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Spartans have posted against the Cougars since April 13, 2023.
The result came thanks to Cooper Sides's shutout, as he gave up just two hits and racked up eight Ks. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Red Bluff is 5-1 when he allows at most one earned run, but 3-7 otherwise.
On the hitting side, Mason Lyford was excellent, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3. He has been hot, having posted at least one stolen base the last six times he's played.
Reedley's victory bumped their record up to 9-5. As for Red Bluff, the win got them back to even at 8-8.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Reedley has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Red Bluff struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Reedley skirted past Red Bluff 4-3 in their previous meeting back in March of 2016. Will the Pirates repeat their success, or do the Spartans have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
