The Saddleback Roadrunners will challenge the Bolsa Grande Matadors at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Saddleback is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.3 runs per game this season.
If Saddleback beats Bolsa Grande with nine runs on Tuesday, it's going to be the squad's new lucky number: they've won their past two matches with that exact score. Saddleback walked away with a 9-4 victory over Magnolia on Friday. The win was familiar territory for the Roadrunners, who have now won three games in a row.
Diego Enriquez
| 03/21/25 vs Santiago | 2 |
| 03/28/25 @ Magnolia | 1 |
| 03/04/25 vs Westminster | 1 |
| 02/28/25 @ Southlands Christian | 1 |
Diego Enriquez spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered four earned runs on 11 hits and racked up six Ks. He also tossed a walk, which is notable because Saddleback is 4-1-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 3-4 otherwise.
At the plate, Anthony Lopez and Ricardo Marquez did most of the damage at the plate: Lopez went 1-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple, while Marquez scored a run while going 3-for-4. That triple was Lopez's first of the season. Joaquin Cornejo was another key player, scoring three runs while going 2-for-4.
They weren't the only ones working in the hit department: Saddleback kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 12 hits in three consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Bolsa Grande). Everything went their way against Santa Ana Valley on Friday as Bolsa Grande made off with a 21-1 victory. The win continues a trend for the Matadors in their matchups with the Falcons: they've now won six in a row.
Samuel Montes De Oca and Tank Britton were a major factor while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Montes De Oca pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Britton tossed four innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. At bat, Montes De Oca scored four runs while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances, while Britton scored two runs while going 2-for-4. Those four runs gave Montes De Oca a new career-high.
In other batting news, Nick Vazquez was a standout: he went 4-for-5 with four runs, four RBI, and one stolen base. The team also got some help courtesy of Damien Montes De Oca, who scored four runs and stole a base while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances.
The victory got Bolsa Grande back to even at 5-5. As for Saddleback, their win bumped their record up to 7-5-1.
Tuesday's match might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Saddleback has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .433. However, it's not like Bolsa Grande struggles in that department as they've averaged .468. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Saddleback suffered a grim 9-0 defeat to Bolsa Grande when the teams last played back in February of 2024. Will Saddleback 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.
