Tulare Union is 0-5 against Exeter since February of 2023 but things could change on Tuesday. The Tribe will face off against the Monarchs at 6:30 p.m. Tulare Union is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.2 runs per game this season.
Tulare Union's tournament run continued when they took on McLane on Saturday. The Tribe walked away with a 9-4 win over the Highlanders.
Ryan Matthews made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over five innings while giving up three earned (and one unearned) runs off three hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with three runs and one double. Those three runs gave him a new career-high.
Ethan Willborn
| 03/07/26 vs McLane | 3 |
| 02/24/26 @ Chavez | 2 |
| 03/22/25 @ Fresno Christian | 2 |
| 03/02/26 vs Lindsay | 1 |
| 04/15/25 vs California City | 1 |
In other batting news, Ethan Willborn was incredible, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Emanuel Navarro, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
Tulare Union hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as McLane struck out six times.
Meanwhile, Exeter is still undefeated this season after their game against Sunnyside on Saturday, but Sunnyside came as close as anyone has to beating them. The Monarchs skirted past the Wildcats 3-1. Those three runs were actually the fewest the Monarchs have put up all season, but given the result they're probably not too concerned.
The team relied heavily on Cade McElmoyl, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. Ryan Hernandez was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBI.
The victory got Tulare Union back to even at 3-3. As for Exeter, their record is now 5-0-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Tulare Union has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Exeter struggles in that department as they've been averaging 10.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other baseball content.
