Berean Christian is 0-5 against Northgate since April of 2015 but things could change on Tuesday. The Eagles are taking a road trip to challenge the Broncos at 4:00 p.m. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Berean Christian 3.9, Northgate 2.2) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Berean Christian's usually-dominant pitching crew will be looking to make up for Thursday's struggle, when Las Lomas hitters got past them. The Eagles came up short against the Knights on Thursday, falling 11-3. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Eagles have suffered since April 2nd.
Berean Christian saw six different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Damon Neu, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one stolen base and one run.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Northgate). They never let Mt. Diablo get on the board and left with a 27-0 victory on Thursday. Winning may never get old, but the Broncos sure are getting used to it with their fourth in a row.
Nate Luehs and Connor Weitl were major factors no matter where they played. On the mound, Luehs pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Weitl pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one walk in eight consecutive appearances. At bat, Luehs went 3-for-5 with three runs and two RBI, while Weitl got on base in all five of his plate appearances with four runs, four RBI, and one triple. The dominant performance also gave Weitl a new career-high in hits (three).
In other pitching news, Brandon King looked comfortable as he tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits.
Back at the plate, Christopher Flores was a standout: he went 3-for-4 with three runs, four RBI, and one triple. Blayne Ballard was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base.
Northgate always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .644. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Berean Christian's loss was their first in the league, dropping their league record down to 7-1 and their overall record down to 16-6. As for Northgate, their record now sits at 14-7.
Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Berean Christian hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .338. However, it's not like Northgate struggles in that department as they've averaged .332. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Berean Christian might still be hurting after the 10-1 defeat they got from Northgate when the teams last played back in March of 2017. Can the Eagles avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
