The Alameda Pirates will head out to square off against the Elizabeth Cardinals at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Alameda is coming into the match hot, having won their last 17 games.
Alameda saw some tournament action on Saturday. They were the clear victors by an 11-4 margin over Arvada. The Pirates might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 17 games by six runs or more this season.
Cesar H
| 05/03/25 vs Arvada | 7 |
| 04/02/25 vs Platte Canyon | 6 |
| 04/25/25 @ Rangeview | 3 |
| 03/15/25 @ Manual | 1 |
Cesar H made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. Those seven strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged two or more in each of the last four games he's played.
In other batting news, Ivan Baca was a standout: he got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Hudson Judy, who went 1-for-3 with three runs and one RBI.
Alameda was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .500. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .320 or higher in 17 consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth has relied on a stalwart pitchers averaging 3.14 runs allowed per game, but that average took a hit on Friday. They came up short against The Classical Academy, falling 11-5. The Cardinals haven't had much luck with the Titans recently, as the team has come up short the last eight times they've met.
Walker Blanchard made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Trevor Bertsch, who went 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI.
Elizabeth's defeat dropped their record down to 16-5. As for Alameda, their record now sits at 19-2.
Saturday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Alameda has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .597. However, it's not like Elizabeth struggles in that department as they've averaged .498. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Alameda might still be hurting after the 21-1 loss they got from Elizabeth in their previous matchup back in March of 2018. Can the Pirates avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
