The Terra Linda Trojans will head out on the road to challenge the Pinole Valley Spartans at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. The teams are rolling into the game with opposing streaks: Terra Linda has struggled recently with 13 defeats in a row, while Pinole Valley will arrive with three straight victories.
Terra Linda lost 18-1 to Redwood on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Pinole Valley got the win against De Anza on Friday by a conclusive 17-1. Considering the Spartans have won ten matchups by more than five runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Mckenzie Ortega made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two runs and one triple. That triple was her first of the season.
In other batting news, Ayla Serrano was incredible, going 3-for-4 with five RBI, two runs, and one triple. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Mariah Davidson, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one triple, two RBI, and one double.
Pinole Valley always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .613. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .579 or higher in three consecutive games.
Pinole Valley's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 13-7. The home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.3 runs over those games. As for Terra Linda, their loss dropped their record down to 8-13.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Terra Linda has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .457. However, it's not like Pinole Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .450. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Terra Linda might still be hurting after the 11-0 defeat they got from Pinole Valley in their previous matchup back in May of 2016. Can the Trojans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
