For the second straight game, Tri-City Christian will face off against Foothills Christian. The Eagles will host the Knights at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Tri-City Christian has given up an average of 10.8 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Tri-City Christian lost 13-5 to Foothills Christian on Wednesday.
For Foothills Christian's part, Jr Merino and Johannes Jansen Granillo made a splash while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Merino pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Jansen Granillo tossed four innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits. Merino also tossed no walks, which is notable because Foothills Christian is 7-3 when he allows at most one walk, but 8-9 otherwise. At the plate, Merino went 4-for-5 with three runs, two RBI, and one double, while Jansen Granillo got on base in all five of his plate appearances with three runs and one double. Those three runs gave Merino a new career-high.
In other batting news, Jack Morgan was incredible, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. He has become a key player for Foothills Christian: the team is 7-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 8-11 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Jonah Nottoli, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Foothills Christian kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. That's a new trend for them: they were averaging 5.4 hits per game earlier this season, but in their last 15 matches they've averaged 12.2.
Foothills Christian pushed their record up to 15-12 with the win, which was their fifth straight at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.0 runs on average over those games. As for Tri-City Christian, their loss dropped their record down to 4-14.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Tri-City Christian has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Foothills Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.7 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 action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
