Murrieta Mesa is 0-10 against Vista Murrieta since May of 2021 but things could change on Monday. The Rams are taking a road trip to face off against the Broncos at 3:30 p.m.
Murrieta Mesa couldn't beat Temecula Valley on Friday even though they stacked four runs on them in the third inning. The Rams came up short against the Golden Bears, falling 13-5. Rams fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Golden Bears since on Friday.
Murrieta Mesa got a good showing from Morgan Dorlaque, who tossed 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. That's the first time Dorlaque hasn't allowed a single earned run since April 1st.
On the hitting side, Murrieta Mesa saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Cooper Child, who went 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. Shayne Garland also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Meanwhile, Vista Murrieta had already won seven in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 4.4 runs) and they went ahead and made it eight on Friday. They blew past the Nighthawks 15-2. The Broncos might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won seven matches by six runs or more this season.
Vista Murrieta also got a great performance from Dylan Berentis as he struck out six batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off five hits.
At the plate, Ryland Duson was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in February. Brady Luyben was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
Vista Murrieta lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now launched at least two home runs in three consecutive contests.
Vista Murrieta's victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 16-5-1. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.8 runs over those games. As for Murrieta Mesa, their loss dropped their record down to 13-8.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Murrieta Mesa has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Vista Murrieta struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Murrieta Mesa suffered a grim 11-3 defeat to Vista Murrieta in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Rams avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
