The California Grizzlies will head out on the road to challenge the Clayton Valley Charter Ugly Eagles at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. California's pitching crew has only allowed 1.5 runs per game this season, so Clayton Valley Charter's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
While California's win against Dougherty Valley wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. California never let Dougherty Valley get on the board and left with a 1-0 victory on Tuesday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Grizzlies have posted since May 7, 2024.
California got a great performance from Audrey Cotton as she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out eight over 5.2 innings pitched. Cotton has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up a single earned run any time she's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Shayla Santolucito, who went 2-for-3 with one home run. She also put up a run, which was her first of the season.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Clayton Valley Charter). Everything went their way against St. Joseph Notre Dame on Tuesday as Clayton Valley Charter made off with a 17-0 victory. With that win, the Ugly Eagles brought their scoring average up to 7.7 runs per game.
Jazlene Shipe was a major factor no matter where she played. She tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Shipe was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-4.
In other pitching news, Camdyn Alton looked comfortable as she pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
Back at the plate, Izabella Holt was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, four runs, and five RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in April of 2024. Another player making a difference was Angelina Vargas, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
Clayton Valley Charter kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as St. Joseph Notre Dame only managed one hit.
The victory made it two in a row for Clayton Valley Charter and bumps their season record up to 4-1-1. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered a grand total of 3 runs in those games. As for California, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 4-2 record this season.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. California has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Clayton Valley Charter struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
California took their victory against Clayton Valley Charter in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 12-2. The rematch might be a little tougher for California since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
