Red Bluff is on a four-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while University Prep is on a three-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Red Bluff Spartans will host the University Prep Panthers at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. The last three games Red Bluff has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
While Red Bluff's victory against Gridley wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. Red Bluff skirted past Gridley 6-5. The Spartans haven't had any issues with the Bulldogs recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.
Ryan Ross was excellent, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-2. Bryce Owens also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Meanwhile, University Prep never let their opponents score on Tuesday. They blew past Corning 9-0. Considering the Panthers have won four matchups by more than eight runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Casey Wrathall made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over six innings pitched. He also tossed a walk, which is notable because University Prep is 2-0-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 2-3 otherwise. Wrathall was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in April of 2024.
In other pitching news, Jacob Lindell looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because University Prep is 2-0-1 when he allows at most two earned runs, but 2-3 otherwise.
Back at the plate, David Wenham and Waylon Stripling did most of the damage at the plate: Wenham scored two runs and stole Two bases. while going 1-for-4, while Stripling scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4. University Prep is 3-1 when Wenham posts two or more runs, but 1-2-1 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Tyler White, who scored a run and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-4.
University Prep kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits every time they've taken the field this season.
The victory got Red Bluff back to even at 2-2. As for University Prep, they now have a winning record of 4-3-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Red Bluff has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like University Prep struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.1 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
