Gardena hasn't had much luck against Port of Los Angeles recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. The Gardena Panthers will face off against the Port of Los Angeles Polar Bears at 3:00 p.m. Gardena is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.4 runs per game this season.
Gardena proved they can win big on Friday (they won by nine) and on Monday they proved they can win the close ones too. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Fremont, sneaking past 3-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Panthers have posted against the Pathfinders since February 21, 2019.
Anthony Garcia
| 02/26/25 vs King/Drew | 5 |
| 03/10/25 @ Fremont | 1 |
| 03/07/25 vs Animo Leadership | 1 |
Anthony Garcia was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits (and only one walk). Gardena is undefeated when Garcia allowsone or fewer earned runs, but 1-3 otherwise. Garcia was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three stolen bases and one RBI.
Garcia wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Derek Norris, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one RBI.
Meanwhile, Port of Los Angeles didn't have quite enough to beat Rancho Dominguez on Monday and fell 6-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Polar Bears have suffered against the Lobos since March 20, 2015.
Gardena's win ended a six-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 4-3. As for Port of Los Angeles, they now have a losing record of 2-3.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Gardena has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .459. However, it's not like Port of Los Angeles struggles in that department as they've averaged .442. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Gardena came up short against Port of Los Angeles in their previous matchup back in March of 2024, falling 8-4. Can Gardena avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
