The Tulare Western Mustangs will head out to square off against the Tulare Union Tribe at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Tulare Western has given up an average of 7.6 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Tulare Western was handed a 11-run loss in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Thursday. They skirted past Lemoore 13-12. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Mustangs have posted against the Tigers since March 19, 2019.
Tulare Western got a massive performance out of Alivea Salcedo, who went 3-for-5 with three runs, two doubles, and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Sarah Medeiros, who went a perfect 5-for-5 with three RBI and two runs.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Tulare Western kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 17 hits. That's the most hits they've posted since back in March of 2024.
Meanwhile, Tulare Union was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They took a 7-3 hit to the loss column at the hands of Dinuba. Tribe fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Emperors since on Friday.
KaiLee Gilbert was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. The team also got some help courtesy of Faith Jimenez, who went 1-for-3 with one home run.
Tulare Union now has a losing record of 13-14. As for Tulare Western, with the victory, they broke their four-game losing streak and moved their record to 14-9-1.
Tulare Union's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Tulare Western has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .454. It's a different story for Tulare Union, though, as they've only averaged .333. Will they be able to contain Tulare Western's hitters?
Tulare Western might still be hurting after the 19-9 loss they got from Tulare Union in their previous meeting two weeks ago. Can the Mustangs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
