Baseball Game Preview: Polytechnic Panthers vs. Rio Hondo Prep Kares

Polytechnic and Rio Hondo Prep are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2022, but likely not for long. The Panthers will be playing at home against the Kares at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

The scorekeeper got an easy start on Thursday as neither Polytechnic nor Flintridge Prep made it on the board until the fifth inning. The Panthers came out on top against the Wolves by a score of 6-2. The game was the first time the Panthers have beaten the Wolves on their field since April 16, 2024.

Elijah Ip

Earned Runs

02/26/26 @ Oakwood	4
04/06/26 @ Alhambra	3
03/17/26 @ Rio Hondo Prep	3
04/16/26 vs Chadwick	1
03/10/26 vs Marshall	1
+ 2 more games

Elijah Ip spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered two runs (both of which were unearned) on six hits and racked up six Ks. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Polytechnic is 4-1 when he allows at most one earned run, but 5-11 otherwise.

At the plate, Alejandro KohnRabassa was incredible, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two doubles and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Luke Phillips, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Rio Hondo Prep, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They were the clear victors by an 11-2 margin over Chadwick on Friday. The high-scoring effort was just what the Kares needed considering they were shut out in their previous contest.

The win made it two in a row for Polytechnic and bumps their season record up to 9-12. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.5 runs over those games. As for Rio Hondo Prep, their win bumped their record up to 8-6-1.

Polytechnic couldn't quite finish off Rio Hondo Prep in their previous meeting back in March and fell 4-2. Will the Panthers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.