Monte Vista Christian hasn't had much luck against Hollister recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Mustangs will be playing in front of their home fans against the Haybalers at 4:00 p.m. Monte Vista Christian has given up an average of 9.6 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
The home team had won the previous two meetings between Monte Vista Christian and Soledad, and Soledad kept the tradition alive. The Mustangs lost 16-8 to the Aztecs on Friday.
Carlos Alvarez and Mikie Melenudo did some serious damage despite the final result: Alvarez went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI, while Melenudo went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run. The team also got some help courtesy of Jake Moro, who went 2-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Hollister fought the good fight in their extra-innings game against Carmel on Friday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Padres by a score of 7-6. The Haybalers haven't had much luck with the Padres recently, as the team has come up short the last three times they've met.
Layton Smith made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 2-for-4 with one home run and four RBI. That home run marked the first that he has launched this season.
Hollister's loss dropped their record down to 15-10. As for Monte Vista Christian, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-18.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Monte Vista Christian has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Hollister struggles in that department as they've been averaging 2.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Monte Vista Christian suffered a grim 11-4 defeat to Hollister in their previous matchup back in April. Can the Mustangs avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
