Softball Game Preview: Ripon Indians vs. Hilmar Yellowjackets

Ripon is 8-2 against Hilmar since May of 2018 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Indians will head out on the road to square off against the Yellowjackets at 4:00 p.m. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

On Tuesday, Ripon was able to grind out a solid victory over Escalon, taking the game 7-4. The Indians haven't had any issues with the Cougars recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive win against them.

Angelina Martinez

Base on Balls Against

04/15/25 vs Escalon	1
04/10/25 vs Sonora	0
04/08/25 @ Orestimba	1
03/31/25 vs East Union	2
03/27/25 vs Hughson	2
03/25/25 vs Hilmar	1

Angelina Martinez made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 13 batters over seven innings while giving up four earned runs off eight hits (and only one walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double. That double was her first of the season.

In other batting news, Izabelle Spurzem was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Abigail Stewart, who went 1-for-2 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.

Meanwhile, it was close, but on Tuesday Hilmar sidestepped Hughson for a 3-2 victory. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Yellowjackets.

Hilmar now has a winning record of 9-8. As for Ripon, their record now sits at 9-7.

Ripon skirted past Hilmar 2-0 when the teams last played back in March. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Indians since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.