Baseball Game Preview: Pinecrest Academy Cadence Cougars vs. Rancho Rams

Pinecrest Academy Cadence is 0-3 against Rancho since March of 2024 but things could change on Thursday. The Cougars will challenge the Rams at 3:30 p.m. Pinecrest Academy Cadence has given up an average of 17.7 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Pinecrest Academy Cadence is headed into Thursday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fifth straight game back in March. They lost 16-3 to Liberty Baptist Academy.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Rancho, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Friday. Their pitchers stepped up to hand Boulder City a 10-0 shutout on Wednesday. The victory was some much needed relief for the Rams as it spelled an end to their four-game losing streak.

Jonathan Ramos was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out eight over four innings pitched. He also tossed two walks, which is notable because Rancho is 2-1 when he allows at most two walks, but 4-11 otherwise. Ramos was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with four RBI, one run, and one double. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high.

In other batting news, Rancho got a big performance out of Jose Garcia, who scored three runs and stole a base while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances. That's the most runs Garcia has posted since back in February of 2024. Brady Paulson was another key player, going 1-for-4 with one triple, two RBI, and one run.

Rancho always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .594. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.

Rancho's record now sits at 6-12. As for Pinecrest Academy Cadence, their loss dropped their record down to 1-6.

Pinecrest Academy Cadence might still be hurting after the 15-0 defeat they got from Rancho in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Cougars avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.