The El Rancho Dons will head out on the road to take on the Aquinas Falcons at 3:15 p.m. on Friday. El Rancho's pitching crew has only allowed 3.8 runs per game this season, so Aquinas' hitters will have their work cut out for them.
On Wednesday, El Rancho didn't have quite enough to beat Los Altos and fell 6-5.
Alexander Moraza and Alex Aparicio stepped up to the plate in a big way. Moraza scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances, while Aparicio scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Even though they lost, El Rancho was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .391. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .333 or higher in three consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, Aquinas took care of business in their home opener (and then some) on Saturday. They blew past Beaumont 16-1.
Gavin Egan was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out six over four innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in April of 2024. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Jonathan Tena was incredible, going 2-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. Mason Greenhouse was another key player, scoring two runs while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
El Rancho's loss was their fourth straight on the road dating back to last season, which dropped their record down to 3-3. As for Aquinas, their record is now 1-0.
El Rancho might still be hurting after the 10-0 defeat they got from Aquinas in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can El Rancho avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
