The Maranatha Christian Eagles will challenge the La Jolla Country Day Torreys at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Maranatha Christian is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.1 runs per game this season.
Maranatha Christian had been on a three-game streak of scoring at least ten runs, but Foothills Christian put an end to it last Friday. The Eagles lost 10-0 to the Knights. The Eagles' defeat signaled the end of their four-game winning streak.
La Jolla Country Day came out on top against St. Joseph Academy on Friday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run first inning. The Torreys sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with an 8-6 victory over the Crusaders. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Torreys have posted since March 20th.
Ayla Desai made a splash no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out 11 over seven innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one walk in six consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Kathryn McGowen, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two runs and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Josephine Criado, who went 3-for-5 with one RBI.
La Jolla Country Day kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
La Jolla Country Day's victory bumped their record up to 7-12. As for Maranatha Christian, their loss dropped their record down to 8-7.
Tuesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Maranatha Christian has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .466. However, it's not like La Jolla Country Day struggles in that department as they've averaged .462. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Maranatha Christian was able to grind out a solid win over La Jolla Country Day in their previous meeting back in April, winning 9-4. Will the Eagles repeat their success, or do the Torreys have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
