The Tri-City Christian Eagles will head out on the road to take on the Foothills Christian Knights at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Tri-City Christian gave up the first runs on Monday, but they didn't let that get them down. They blew past Calvin Christian 15-2. The Eagles not only won on Monday, but they posted their biggest win since March 17th (when they won 18-1).
Preston Chang was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 14 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off five hits (and only one walk). That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in April. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in all five of his plate appearances with four runs, one double, and one RBI.

Sam Denning
05/12/25 @ Calvin Christian | 4 |
03/17/25 @ St. Joseph Academy | 3 |
05/06/25 vs Pacific Ridge | 2 |
04/25/25 @ Coastal Academy | 2 |
03/21/25 @ Orange Glen | 2 |
In other batting news, Sam Denning was a standout: he got on base in all five of his plate appearances with four runs, two doubles, and one stolen base. Those four runs gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Ryan Scheidnes, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with three RBI and two runs.
Tri-City Christian kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Calvin Christian only managed six hits.
Meanwhile, Foothills Christian beat Orange Glen 7-2 on Friday. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Knights.
Like Tri-City Christian, Foothills Christian also got a great game from a two-way player: Jr Merino. He struck out six batters over six innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits. Merino has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double. Foothills Christian is undefeated when Merino posts three or more RBI, but 11-12 otherwise.
In other batting news, Foothills Christian let Johannes Jansen Granillo and Jonah Nottoli run wild. Jansen Granillo got on base in three of his five plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI, while Nottoli went 3-for-4 with two runs and one RBI. Jansen Granillo is becoming a predictor of Foothills Christian's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 8-12 when he doesn't).
Foothills Christian's record now sits at 14-12. As for Tri-City Christian, their victory ended a nine-game drought on the road and puts them at 4-13.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Tri-City Christian has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Foothills Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Tri-City Christian might still be hurting after the 8-1 loss they got from Foothills Christian when the teams last played back in March. Can the Eagles avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.