Baseball Game Preview: Centennial Bulldogs vs. Rancho Rams

The Centennial Bulldogs will take on the Rancho Rams at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. The last four games Centennial has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.

Centennial is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Nevada's top teams: Basic, who was ranked first at the time (Centennial was ranked seventh). The Bulldogs skirted past the Wolves 4-3.

Kane Barber

Batters Struck Out

04/16/25 vs Basic	5
04/08/25 @ Liberty	5
03/31/25 vs Palo Verde	7
03/24/25 vs Legacy	6
03/17/25 vs Orange Lutheran	7
03/11/25 @ Green Valley	6

Kane Barber spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on six hits. He has been consistent : he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in six consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Terrell Otis was excellent, going 2-for-4 with three RBI. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in March. Noa Oyadomari was another key player, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.

Meanwhile, after a string of five wins, Rancho's good fortune finally ran out on Monday. They lost 9-3 to Durango.

Brady Paulson made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-3 with one home run and three RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Rancho's success: when he posts at least three RBI the team is 3-1 (and 7-12 when he doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of William Patriquin, who scored a run while going 2-for-3.

Rancho's loss was their first in the league, dropping their league record down to 4-1 and their overall record down to 10-13. As for Centennial, their win ended a four-game drought at home and bumped them up to 16-9.

Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Centennial hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .329. However, it's not like Rancho struggles in that department as they've averaged .312. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Centennial couldn't quite finish off Rancho when the teams last played back in March of 2022 and fell 4-2. Will the Bulldogs have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.