Hamilton has won six straight games at home (dating back to last season), while Durham has won six straight on the road, but those streaks won't matter much on Monday. The Braves will host the Trojans at 4:00 p.m. After the two teams made easy work of their previous opponents, one won't be so lucky on Monday.
Hamilton barely beat Quincy the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Braves were the clear victors by an 11-1 margin over the Trojans last Thursday. That ten-run margin sets a new team best for the Braves this season.
Daniel Leal spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on four hits and racked up 11 Ks. He is becoming a predictor of Hamilton's success: when he posts at least eight strikeouts the team is undefeated (and 6-7 when he doesn't).
Kayden Strong
| 04/02/26 @ Quincy | 3 |
| 05/16/25 vs Weed | 2 |
| 04/11/25 vs Portola | 2 |
| 04/11/25 vs Portola | 2 |
| 04/02/26 @ Quincy | 1 |
On the hitting side, Kayden Strong was incredible, going 2-for-5 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Drake Dreiss, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Hamilton kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Quincy only managed five.
Meanwhile, Durham won against Los Molinos on Thursday with 14 runs and they decided to stick to that run total again on Friday. The Trojans put the hurt on Maxwell with a sharp 14-3 victory. The result was nothing new for the Trojans, who have now won 11 games by six runs or more so far this season.
JASON RITZERT tossed a big game, pitching five innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off four hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.
At the plate, Durham got a massive performance out of BREVAN RING, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI, two doubles, and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was LANDON LYNCH, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one double.
Hamilton's win bumped their record up to 9-7. As for Durham, their victory bumped their record up to 17-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Hamilton has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Durham struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Hamilton couldn't quite finish off Durham in their previous meeting back in April of 2025 and fell 9-7. Will the Braves have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
