Italy hasn't had much luck against Rio Vista recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Gladiators are taking a road trip to take on the Eagles at 7:00 p.m. Italy has given up an average of 10.3 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Italy fell victim to Frost and their airtight pitching crew on Monday. They lost 13-0 to the Polar Bears. Considering the last time the Gladiators couldn't score was back in February, the team can't take the result too hard.
Meanwhile, Rio Vista had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 18.5 runs) and they went ahead and made it three on Tuesday. They never let the Wampus Cats get on the board and left with a 13-0 win. The result was nothing new for the Eagles, who have now won seven matchups by seven runs or more so far this season.
Slate Campbell made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out six over five innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in February of 2025. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with four RBI and two runs. He has been hot recently, having posted three or more RBI the last three times he's played.
In other batting news, Rio Vista let Anthony Zepeda and Boston Baker run wild. Zepeda got on base in all four of his plate appearances with one home run, four runs, and two stolen bases, while Baker got on base in all four of his plate appearances with four stolen bases, four runs, and two RBI. Those four stolen bases gave Baker a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Trace Clinkscales, who went 1-for-2 with three stolen bases and two runs.
Rio Vista always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .594. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Itasca only posted an OBP of .062.
Italy's loss dropped their record down to 4-11. As for Rio Vista, their record now sits at 7-13.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Friday as neither team is afraid to steal. Italy has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.7 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Rio Vista struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Italy suffered a grim 19-6 defeat to Rio Vista when the teams last played back in April of 2025. Can the Gladiators avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
