For the first time this season, Saddleback will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will host the Santa Ana Valley Falcons at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Saddleback will be strutting in after a win while Santa Ana Valley will be coming in after a loss.
Saddleback was handed a six-run defeat in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Friday. They skirted past Santiago 5-3. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Roadrunners have posted since February 22nd.
Diego Enriquez made a big impact no matter where he played. He pitched six innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off three hits. He has been consistent : 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-4.
Ruben Gutierrez
| 03/21/25 vs Santiago | 3 |
| 03/08/25 @ Morningside | 2 |
| 04/23/24 vs Calvary Chapel | 2 |
| 03/01/24 vs Godinez Fundamental | 2 |
| 03/04/25 vs Westminster | 1 |
In other batting news, Ruben Gutierrez was excellent, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 3-for-3. Those three hits gave him a new career-high. Ricardo Marquez was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one double and one RBI.
Saddleback was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .433. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Santiago only posted a batting average of .192.
Meanwhile, Friday just wasn't the day for Santa Ana Valley's offense. They fell 3-0 to Magnolia on Friday. The Falcons have struggled against the Sentinels recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive lost meeting.
Julian Esqueda spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered three earned runs on five hits.
The win got Saddleback back to even at 5-5-1. As for Santa Ana Valley, their loss dropped their record down to 2-6.
Santa Ana Valley's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Saddleback hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .341. It's a different story for Santa Ana Valley, though, as they've only averaged .200. Will they be able to contain Saddleback's hitters?
Saddleback couldn't quite get it done against Santa Ana Valley when the teams last played back in February of 2024 as they fell 8-3. 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.
