The Van Nuys Wolves will face off against the Oak Park Eagles at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Van Nuys is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8 runs per game this season.
Van Nuys came out on top against Valley Academy of Arts & Sciences on Wednesday thanks in part to the team's impressive nine-run second inning. The Wolves blew past the Vipers 15-3. The Wolves haven't had any issues with the Vipers recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive victory against them.
James Olan made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one run.
In other pitching news, Ricky Lomeli looked comfortable as he tossed three innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off three hits. He has become a key player for Van Nuys: the team is 3-1 when he allows at most one earned run, but 1-3 otherwise.
Kevin Mata
| 04/08/26 @ Valley Academy of Arts & Sciences | 4 |
| 03/25/26 vs Valley Academy of Arts & Sciences | 2 |
| 03/04/26 vs Fulton | 2 |
| 02/25/26 @ Oak Park | 2 |
| 03/13/26 vs Chavez | 1 |
Back at the plate, Van Nuys got a massive performance out of Kevin Mata, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with four runs, two stolen bases, and one double. Mata is becoming a predictor of the Wolves' success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 3-1 (and 1-3 when he doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of Alejandro Diaz, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with four runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Van Nuys always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .553. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, Oak Park was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their tenth straight loss. They came up short against Simi Valley, falling 14-1.
Oak Park saw seven different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Sebi Rad, who went 2-for-3 with one run.
Oak Park's defeat dropped their record down to 5-15. As for Van Nuys, the win got them back to even at 4-4.
Oak Park's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Van Nuys hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .347. It's a different story for Oak Park, though, as they've only averaged .237. Will they be able to contain Van Nuys' hitters?
Van Nuys might still be hurting after the 19-5 loss they got from Oak Park in their previous matchup back in February. Will the Wolves have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
