The Dixon Rams will square off against the Manteca Buffaloes at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Dixon is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Wednesday. They put the hurt on Sierra with a sharp 12-2 win. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Rams.
Dakota Gaball made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she struck out eight batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off five hits (and only one walk). That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in April. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Makayla Smith, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run and three RBI. That home run was her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Rachael Cayabyab, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
Dixon kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. They are 9-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Manteca got themselves on the board against Buhach Colony on Wednesday, but Buhach Colony never followed suit. They blew past the Thunder 17-0. The Buffaloes' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Riley Ward looked comfortable as she didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up a single earned run in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Manteca got a massive performance out of Maleiah Garza, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. Garza has been hot recently, having posted at least one home run the last three times she's played. Sienna Owen was another key player, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
Dixon's victory bumped their record up to 14-8. As for Manteca, their win bumped their record up to 17-8.
Dixon suffered a grim 11-3 defeat to Manteca in their previous matchup back in April of 2019. Can the Rams avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
