Preview: Chico Panthers vs. Red Bluff Spartans
The Chico Panthers will stay at home for another game and welcome the Red Bluff Spartans at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday. Both teams have allowed few runs on average, (Chico: 3.2, Red Bluff: 2.9) so any runs scored will be well earned.
After soaring to 12 runs the game before, Chico were a bit more limited in their match on Friday. They fell just short of Orland by a score of 2-1. The result shouldn't come as a shock considering that's the fewest runs Chico has scored all season.
Rex Edwards was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: he didn't allow a single earned run while striking out six over five innings pitched.
On the hitting side, Chico saw one different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Blake Bettencourt, who went 1-for-3 with an RBI.
Meanwhile, Red Bluff can now show off three landslide victories after their most recent matchup on Tuesday. They put the hurt on Foothill with a sharp 9-3 victory.
Ever Aaron Ovalle was a major factor no matter where he played. He struck out six batters over six innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits (and only one walk). Ovalle was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with three RBI.
In other batting news, Bryce Owens was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4. Ryan Ross was another key contributor, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3.
Chico's defeat dropped their record down to 5-2-1. As for Red Bluff, their win bumped their record up to 6-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both teams have some strikeout artists on the roster. Chico has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Red Bluff struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.9 per game. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Chico took their victory against Red Bluff in their previous meeting back in March of 2023 by a conclusive 15-7. Does Chico have another victory up their sleeve, or will Red Bluff turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
