Baseball Recap: Excelsior Charter Takes a Loss

Excelsior Charter dropped to 5-4 on Wednesday, ending the team's three-game streak of wins at home. They came up short against the University Prep Jaguars, falling 14-7. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Eagles have suffered since April 10, 2025.

Bradley Smith

Runs

03/02/26 @ Cobalt Institute of Math & Science Academy	5
04/15/26 vs University Prep	3
04/01/26 vs Big Bear	3
03/12/26 @ La Puente	2
03/05/26 vs Silver Valley	2
+ 2 more games

Bradley Smith made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with one home run, three runs, and two RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Excelsior Charter's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 5-1 (and 0-3 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Erik Rodriguez, who went 1-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.

As for University Prep, the win was the third in a row for them, bringing their record up to 16-1. They might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won nine games by seven runs or more this season.

On University Prep's side, Connor Byrom made a splash while hitting and pitching. He struck out ten batters over five innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off six hits. Byrom has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high.

In other batting news, University Prep got a massive performance out of Baxter Andersen, who went 3-for-5 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. That's the most hits Andersen has posted since back in February. Jayden Castillo also deserves some recognition as he launched his first home run of the season.

While Excelsior Charter had to take the loss, they won't have to wait long to give it another shot: the pair's next game is a rematch scheduled at 3:15 p.m. on Friday.