University Prep and Red Bluff are an even 4-4 against one another since March of 2020, but likely not for long. The University Prep Panthers will head out to face off against the Red Bluff Spartans at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. University Prep is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.6 runs per game this season.
It was a proper cat-fight when University Prep took on Corning on Tuesday. University Prep never let Corning get on the board and left with a 9-0 victory. The Panthers have beaten the Cardinals the last four times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Cardinals has come to flipping the script.
Casey Wrathall made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out seven over six innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up a single earned run in four consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other pitching news, Jacob Lindell looked comfortable as he tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Furthermore, he didn't allow a single walk, the first time he has blanked an opponent since back in March of 2024.
David Wenham
| 03/08/25 vs Oroville | 3 |
| 03/04/25 @ Trinity | 3 |
| 03/01/25 vs McKinleyville | 3 |
| 03/11/25 @ Corning | 2 |
| 03/07/25 vs Las Plumas | 1 |
| + 2 more games |
Back at the plate, David Wenham and Waylon Stripling did most of the damage at the plate: Wenham scored two runs and stole Two bases. while going 1-for-4, while Stripling scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4. University Prep is 3-1 when Wenham posts two or more runs, but 1-2-1 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Tyler White, who scored a run and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-4.
University Prep kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Red Bluff, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Saturday. They narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past Gridley 6-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Spartans have posted since February 28, 2024.
Ryan Ross was excellent, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-2. Bryce Owens also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Red Bluff pushed their record up to 2-2 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home dating back to last season. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.5 runs on average over those games. As for University Prep, they now have a winning record of 4-3-1.
Both University Prep and Red Bluff just can't seem to miss. University Prep has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 10.1 hits per game. However, it's not like Red Bluff struggles in that department as they've been averaging only 3 hits. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
University Prep came out on top in a nail-biter against Red Bluff in their previous matchup back in May of 2024, sneaking past 4-3. The rematch might be a little tougher for University Prep since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
