Baseball Game Preview: Rubidoux Falcons vs. Jurupa Valley Jaguars

For the second straight game, Rubidoux will face off against Jurupa Valley. The Falcons will welcome the Jaguars at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday. Rubidoux has now lost seven straight, leaving the team hunting for their first win since March 4.

Rubidoux lost 18-5 to Jurupa Valley on Tuesday.

For Jurupa Valley's part, Fabian Portillo made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Portillo has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring a run while going 2-for-2. That's the most hits he has posted since back in May of 2024.

In other batting news, Nathan Martinez was a standout: he went a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs, one triple, and two RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Jurupa Valley's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 3-5-1 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Francisco Urena, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs, one triple, and two RBI.

Jurupa Valley hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Rubidoux struck out six times.

Jurupa Valley pushed their record up to 11-5-1 with the win, which was their third straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.0 runs on average over those games. As for Rubidoux, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-12.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Rubidoux has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Jurupa Valley struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.