Madera South had lost five straight on the road, but on Friday they dropped down to 11-11 to make it six. They fell just short of the Central Grizzlies by a score of 5-4. The Stallions were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Grizzlies earlier this season, when they won 11-6.
Josiah Ortiz
| 03/09/26 vs Tranquillity | 4 |
| 02/27/26 vs Mendota | 4 |
| 03/30/26 @ Woodlake | 3 |
| 04/24/26 @ Central | 2 |
| 04/01/26 vs Caruthers | 2 |
| + 4 more games |
Josiah Ortiz put in work no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out six batters over six innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off two hits. Ortiz was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and one run. He is becoming a predictor of Madera South's success: when he posts at least two stolen bases the team is 5-2 (and 6-9 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, Erick Soza made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one RBI. He has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times he's played.
As for Central, with the win, they broke their ten-game losing streak and moved their record to 5-11. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory they have posted since March 3rd.
Like Madera South, Central also got a great game from a two-way player: Killian Crask. He pitched seven innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off six hits. What's more, Crask posted five strikeouts, the most he's had since back in March. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in two of his four plate appearances with one stolen base and one run.
Crask wasn't the only one making solid contact as two players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Andrew Sanchez, who went 2-for-3 with one run and one RBI. That's the most hits Sanchez has posted since back in March. Jalen Anderson was another, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one run.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Madera South will square off against McLane at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The Stallions' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Highlanders have averaged an impressive 6.5 runs per game this season. As for Central, they will challenge Torres at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The Toros have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 7.14 runs per game on average), something the Grizzlies will no doubt try to take advantage of.
