Baseball Game Preview: Highland Hornets vs. Hope Christian Huskies

Highland is 0-6 against Hope Christian since April of 2019 but things could change on Saturday. The Hornets will look to defend their home field against the Huskies at 10:00 a.m.

Highland managed to slip by Valencia the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Hornets lost 9-2 to the Jaguars on Friday. The Hornets just can't catch a break and have now endured three losses in a row.

Highland saw six different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Matthew Antonio, who went 1-for-4 with one double.

Meanwhile, Hope Christian never let their opponents score on Thursday. They blew past West Mesa 16-0. Considering the Huskies have won seven games by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.

Caleb Pena was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring a run while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances. What's more, he posted two RBI, the most he's had since back in March.

In other batting news, Nolan Garcia was a standout: he scored four runs while going 3-for-5. That's the most hits he has posted since back in March. Luciano Gabaldon was another key player, scoring two runs while going 3-for-4.

Hope Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .585. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Highland's defeat dropped their record down to 3-10-1. As for Hope Christian, their victory bumped their record up to 11-6.

Highland suffered a grim 15-1 defeat to Hope Christian when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Hornets avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.