Hayward is 0-4 against Berkeley since May of 2024 but things could change on Thursday. The Farmers will venture away from home to challenge the Yellowjackets at 4:00 p.m. Hayward has given up an average of 12.1 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
The home team had come away the winner the last four times Hayward and Mt. Eden had met, but sadly for the fans who attended this one that wasn't the case. The Farmers came up short against the Monarchs on Friday, falling 15-6.
Gianna Cruz made the most of her time in the batter's box despite the final result and got on base in all four of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one double. The team also got some help courtesy of Jayda Hayes, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and two RBI.
Meanwhile, Berkeley got themselves on the board against Piedmont on Wednesday, but Piedmont never followed suit. They blew past the Highlanders 22-0. Considering the Yellowjackets have won eight games by more than six runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
June Shaller made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She struck out six batters over 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. That's the most strikeouts she has posted since back in March of 2025. She was even better at the plate, going 3-for-4 with four runs, three RBI, and one triple.
In other batting news, Berkeley got a massive performance out of Ayshia Bell Vorkoeper, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs, one double, and one RBI. Camil Babij Ross also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
Berkeley kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 19 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
The win made it two in a row for Berkeley and bumps their season record up to 11-2. The victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 0 runs in those games. As for Hayward, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-8.
Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hayward has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .578. However, it's not like Berkeley struggles in that department as they've averaged .501. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hayward suffered a grim 18-1 defeat to Berkeley when the teams last played back in May of 2025. Can the Farmers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
