The Lathrop Spartans will face off against the Pacheco Panthers at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The last three games Lathrop has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
Having struggled with seven defeats in a row, Lathrop turned things around against Delta Charter on Thursday. They skirted past the Dragons 10-9. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Spartans have posted since March 13th.
Rueben Lopez
| 04/24/25 vs Delta Charter | 9 |
| 04/05/25 @ Livingston | 7 |
| 03/13/25 vs Grace Davis | 7 |
| 03/07/25 @ River Islands | 4 |
| 04/17/25 @ Beyer | 3 |
Rueben Lopez tossed a big game, striking out nine batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and four unearned) runs off four hits (and not a single walk). Those nine strikeouts gave him a new career-high.
On the hitting side, Angel Sararan and Vaugh Sanchez did most of the damage at the plate: Sararan got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one RBI, while Sanchez got on base in two of his four plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. That's the most runs Sararan has posted since back in February. Another player making a difference was Ayden Louie, who went 1-for-4 with two RBI and one run.
Meanwhile, Pacheco got the win against Livingston last Thursday by a conclusive 10-1. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Panthers.
Mario Rivera made a splash no matter where he played. He struck out 13 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits (and only one walk). He is becoming a predictor of Pacheco's success: when he allows at most one earned run the team is 2-1 (and 5-11 when he doesn't). Rivera was also big at the plate, going 1-for-5 with two RBI and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Thomas Price, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, one double, and one RBI. Aidan Pikas was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Pacheco kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Livingston only managed two hits.
Lathrop's win bumped their record up to 6-15. As for Pacheco, their victory bumped their record up to 7-12.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Lathrop has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Pacheco struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Lathrop suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to Pacheco in their previous meeting back in March of 2024. Will the Spartans 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.
