For the first time this season, Sunny Hills will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will head out to take on the Esperanza Aztecs at 3:15 p.m. on Friday. Sunny Hills is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.6 runs per game this season.
On Wednesday, Sunny Hills was able to grind out a solid win over Orange, taking the game 5-1. The Lancers haven't had any issues with the Panthers recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
Dylan Erickson
| 03/11/26 @ Orange | 8 |
| 03/04/26 vs Rowland | 3 |
| 02/25/26 @ Santa Ana Valley | 6 |
| 04/26/25 @ Tustin | 9 |
Dylan Erickson tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run while striking out eight over 5.1 innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in April of 2025.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on McAnthony DeCastro, who got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base. He also got a hit, marking his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Jack Verity, who went 1-for-4 with one home run.
Meanwhile, after only one run in their last game, Esperanza made sure to put some runs up on the board against Wilson on Thursday. The Aztecs were the clear victors by a 17-4 margin over the Wildcats. While the Aztecs didn't have the best season last year (they finished 11-17), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Frank Patterson looked comfortable as he tossed 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
At the plate, Brody Reeds was incredible, going 3-for-4 with four runs, two triples, and three RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of David Salholm, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one double.
Sunny Hills' record now sits at 4-1-2. As for Esperanza, their record is now 6-2.
Friday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Sunny Hills hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .315. However, it's not like Esperanza struggles in that department as they've averaged .361. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Sunny Hills got the 'W' in their previous matchup back in May of 2025 against Esperanza by a conclusive 9-3 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Lancers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
