Boron hasn't had much luck against Bishop Union recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Bobcats will look to defend their home field against the Broncos at 3:15 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
On Tuesday, Boron got the win against Frazier Mountain by a conclusive 17-7. The result was nothing new for the Bobcats, who have now won eight matchups by eight runs or more so far this season.
Malachi Rucker made a big impact no matter where he played. He struck out eight batters over 3.1 innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off three hits. He is becoming a predictor of Boron's success: when he allows at most one earned run the team is undefeated (and 5-6 when he doesn't). Rucker was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with six RBI, two runs, and one double. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in March.
Andrew Gartica
| 04/14/26 @ Frazier Mountain | 4 |
| 03/27/26 vs Kern Valley | 4 |
| 03/13/26 vs Immanuel Christian | 4 |
| 03/18/26 @ Bishop Union | 3 |
| 03/14/26 vs Mojave | 3 |
| + 9 more games |
In other batting news, Boron got a massive performance out of Andrew Gartica, who went 3-for-4 with four runs, two stolen bases, and two RBI. The Bobcats are 6-1 when Gartica posts two or more runs, but 3-5 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Santos Escobar, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs.
Boron kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 17 hits. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Bishop Union had already won four in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 7.5 runs) and they went ahead and made it five on Tuesday. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 13-12 W against the Ravens. That's two games straight that the Broncos have won by just one run.
Brayden Leeson was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Leeson was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with one run, one double, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Reuben Nicholson was a standout: he went 3-for-4 with four RBI, two doubles, and one run. Ben Kemp was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run.
Bishop Union's victory bumped their record up to 10-4. As for Boron, their win bumped their record up to 9-6.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Boron has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .555. However, it's not like Bishop Union struggles in that department as they've averaged .458. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Boron might still be hurting after the 16-6 loss they got from Bishop Union when the teams last played back in March. Will the Bobcats have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
