University hasn't had much luck against Irvine recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Trojans will face off against the Vaqueros at 3:30 p.m. University is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season.
University made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Northwood, but they still couldn't quite topple them. The Trojans fell just short of the Timberwolves by a score of 3-1 on Tuesday. Having soared to a lofty 11 runs in the game before, the Trojans couldn't push the score so high this time.
Carson Cruz - Babson
| 04/21/26 vs Northwood | 5 |
| 04/20/26 @ Newport Harbor | 9 |
| 04/16/26 @ Rosary Academy | 8 |
| 04/14/26 vs Woodbridge | 12 |
| 04/09/26 @ Portola | 9 |
| 04/07/26 vs Irvine | 5 |
Carson Cruz - Babson spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on seven hits. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in six consecutive appearances.
Meanwhile, Irvine waltzed into their game on Tuesday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They came out on top against the Warriors by a score of 8-5. That's two games straight that the Vaqueros have won by exactly three runs.
Midori De Los Santos was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She tossed seven innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off seven hits. De Los Santos was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with two runs and one stolen base.
In other batting news, Andrea Torres and Harper Vandermolen did most of the damage at the plate: Torres went 3-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and one stolen base, while Vandermolen went 2-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and one stolen base. Those three hits gave Torres a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Katie Liu, who went 2-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Irvine 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 in four consecutive contests.
Irvine's record is now 8-14. As for University, their loss dropped their record down to 11-8.
Irvine's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: University has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .452. It's a different story for Irvine, though, as they've only averaged .354. Will they be able to contain University's hitters?
University couldn't quite finish off Irvine in their previous matchup on April 7th and fell 3-1. Can the Trojans avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
