Castle Park hasn't had much luck against Mar Vista recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Trojans will welcome the Mariners at 3:30 p.m. Castle Park has given up an average of 8.8 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Castle Park is headed into Monday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their ninth straight game on Thursday. They lost 17-2 to Southwest SD.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Mar Vista, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. Everything went their way against Chula Vista on Thursday as they made off with an 18-4 win. Considering the Mariners' hitters had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.
Jayden Tillman was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Mar Vista is 3-1 when he allows at most one earned run, but 9-12 otherwise. Tillman was even better at the plate, getting on base in all five of his plate appearances with two stolen bases and three runs. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other pitching news, Jake Leslie looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in seven consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, Elijah Quinones was a standout: he went 2-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. Mar Vista is undefeated when Quinones posts two or more runs, but 9-13 otherwise. Aden Duran was another key player, going 2-for-5 with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.
Mar Vista was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .472. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Mar Vista's victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 12-13. They've had to fight for that success though, as they only beat their opponents by an average of 4.25 runs across that stretch. As for Castle Park, their loss dropped their record down to 6-17.
