The Aptos Mariners will take on the Everett Alvarez Eagles at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Aptos has three straight victories, Everett Alvarez has four straight defeats), but none of that matters once you're on the field.
Aptos barely beat Watsonville the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Mariners' pitchers stepped up to hand the Wildcatz a 9-0 shutout last Tuesday. Fans of the Mariners have seen this all before: every one of the games they've played this season has ended in a blowout of 6+ runs.
Oliver Meyers looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
On the hitting side, Ethan Kaemmerling was incredible, going 1-for-3 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Damien Espinoza, who went 1-for-2 with two stolen bases and two runs.
Aptos always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .581. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Watsonville only posted an OBP of .062.
Meanwhile, Everett Alvarez came up short against Pacific Grove on Thursday, falling 13-3.
Aptos' win bumped their record up to 3-0. As for Everett Alvarez, their loss dropped their record down to 1-5.
Saturday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Aptos has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .533. However, it's not like Everett Alvarez struggles in that department as they've averaged .440. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Aptos couldn't quite get it done against Everett Alvarez when the teams last played back in March of 2023 as they fell 9-4. Will the Mariners have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
