Baseball Game Preview: Kennedy Commanders vs. Manual Thunderbolts

By Team Reports Apr 13, 2025, 1:40am

Baseball Preview: Kennedy Commanders vs. Manual Thunderbolts

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The Kennedy Commanders will challenge the Manual Thunderbolts at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.

As a matter of fact, Kennedy put up the most runs they have all season on Saturday. They never let Jefferson get on the board and left with a 12-0 victory. The win was nothing new for the Commanders as they're now sitting on three straight.

Eric Valenzuela made a big impact no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out 12 over six innings pitched. He also tossed a walk, which is notable because Kennedy is undefeated when he allows at most one walk, but 1-5 otherwise. Valenzuela was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.

Kalani Market

Runs Batted In (Career)

04/12/25 @ Jefferson3
03/20/25 @ Westminster2
04/08/25 @ DSST: Montview1
03/14/25 @ Thornton1
03/12/25 vs Overland1

In other batting news, Kennedy got a massive performance out of Kalani Market, who went 3-for-4 with three stolen bases and three RBI. Those three RBI gave Market a new career-high. Damian Ortiz was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4.

Kennedy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .658. They are 4-2 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.

Meanwhile, after a string of four wins, Manual's good fortune finally ran out on Friday. They fell 14-10 to Lincoln. While the Thunderbolts didn't get the win, they did start the game off strong, beating the Lancers 5-1 in the first period.

Jesus Marquez was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring three runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. The team also got some help courtesy of Andrew Hernandez, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 2-for-4.

Kennedy's victory bumped their record up to 4-5. As for Manual, their loss was their first in the league, dropping their league record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 6-4.

Both the two teams just can't seem to miss. Kennedy has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 9.6 hits per game. However, it's not like Manual struggles in that department as they've been averaging only 4.2 hits. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.

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