The Taft Eagles will challenge Chicago Hope Academy at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Taft is coming into the game hot, having won their last three games.
Taft came out on top against Jones on Saturday thanks in part to the team's impressive six-run first inning. Taft put the hurt on Jones with a sharp 10-3 win. Taft's victory was all the more impressive since Jones was averaging only 4.1 runs allowed on the season.
Ethan Acosta
| 05/16/26 @ Jones | 3 |
| 04/22/26 vs Lane Tech | 1 |
| 04/08/26 @ Payton College Prep | 3 |
Ethan Acosta made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. What's more, he posted three strikeouts, the most he's had since back in April. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and one run. He is becoming a predictor of Taft's success: when he posts at least three RBI the team is undefeated (and 8-13 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Giuseppe Lampignano, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one triple. Taft is undefeated when Lampignano posts two or more runs, but 10-13 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Andrew Korolis, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Chicago Hope Academy, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Friday. They skirted past St. Edward 8-6. Chicago Hope Academy hasn't had any issues with St. Edward recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive win against them.
Like Taft, Chicago Hope Academy also got a great game from a two-way player: Lukas Rivera. He tossed three innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits. Rivera has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with two runs and one stolen base.
In other batting news, Chicago Hope Academy got a massive performance out of Cesar Marquez, who went 1-for-2 with one home run and three RBI. Victor Cervantes was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Chicago Hope Academy lost a few balls and finished the game with three home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.
The victory got Taft back to even at 13-13. As for Chicago Hope Academy, their win bumped their record up to 16-12.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Taft has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Chicago Hope Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
