Baseball Game Preview: Merced Bears vs. Golden Valley Cougars

For the second straight game, Merced will face off against Golden Valley. Merced will look to defend their home field on Friday against Golden Valley at 7:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, Merced was able to grind out a solid victory over Golden Valley, taking the game 8-5.

Conner Vitelli

Batters Struck Out

03/26/25 @ Golden Valley	5
03/17/25 @ Los Banos	2
03/11/25 vs Enochs	2
02/28/25 @ Turlock	1
02/17/25 vs Ripon	6

Conner Vitelli was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched. What's more, he posted five strikeouts, the most he's had since back in February. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and one run.

In other batting news, Bryce Jimenez was excellent, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-3. He is becoming a predictor of Merced's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 3-7 when he doesn't). Cooper Frost was another key player, scoring a run while going 2-for-5.

Merced's win ended a five-game drought on the road and puts them at 5-8. As for Golden Valley, their loss ended a three-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 7-7.