Wendell is 9-1 against Gooding since May of 2017 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Tuesday. Wendell will head out to take on Gooding at 4:00 p.m. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
If Wendell beats Gooding with eight 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. Wendell came out on top against Soda Springs by a score of 8-3 on Saturday. The victory continues a trend for the Trojans in their matchups with the Cardinals: they've now won five in a row.
Julian Ponce
| 03/21/25 vs Buhl | 6 |
| 03/14/25 @ Melba | 3 |
| 03/29/25 vs Soda Springs | 1 |
| 03/27/25 vs Challis | 1 |
| 03/12/25 vs Filer | 1 |
Julian Ponce made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He tossed 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He also tossed a walk, which is notable because Wendell is 2-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 0-4 otherwise. Ponce was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with four RBI, one stolen base, and one run. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Adrian Nava, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3. That's the most runs he has posted since back in March of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Chip Houser, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Wendell hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their strikeout total in three consecutive games.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Gooding). They blew past Glenns Ferry 10-0 last Saturday. The Senators not only won last Saturday, but they posted their biggest win since April 13, 2024.
Cougar Stockham made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowed only one hit over 4.2 innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. He also brought in an RBI, marking his first of the season.
In other batting news, Cason Page was excellent, scoring two runs and stealing three bases while going 2-for-4. Those stolen bases were his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Eli Esterbrook, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-3.
The win made it two in a row for Gooding and bumps their season record up to 3-2. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.5 runs over those games. As for Wendell, their record now sits at 2-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Wendell has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.3 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Gooding struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Wendell skirted past Gooding 11-10 in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Does Wendell have another victory up their sleeve, or will Gooding turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
