Carmel and Pacific Grove are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2019, but likely not for long. The Padres will head out to take on the Breakers at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Carmel is coming into the match hot, having won their last five games.
On Tuesday, Carmel beat Rancho San Juan 8-5.
Ava Mangiapane made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she tossed seven innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, earning two RBI, one run, and one stolen base.
Nicole Tapson
| 04/29/25 vs Rancho San Juan | 1 |
| 04/26/25 vs King City | 2 |
| 04/24/25 @ Monte Vista Christian | 1 |
| 04/23/25 vs Santa Teresa | 1 |
| 04/22/25 vs North Monterey County | 1 |
In other batting news, Nicole Tapson was excellent, going 2-for-3 with three runs and one stolen base. She has been hot, having posted at least one stolen base the last five times she's played. Another player making a difference was Delilah Herro, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Pacific Grove entered their tilt with Alisal on Tuesday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They blew past the Trojans 9-3. The result was nothing new for the Breakers, who have now won eight contests by six runs or more so far this season.
Alex Giammanco spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned runs on eight hits and racked up 13 Ks.
On the hitting side, Pacific Grove let Savannah Hardy and Isis Turner run wild. Hardy went 2-for-3 with three runs, one triple, and one double, while Turner went 2-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and two doubles. That's the most doubles Turner has posted since back in March of 2024. Ella Lee was another key player, going 3-for-4 with three runs and one double.
Pacific Grove was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .419. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .320 or higher in four consecutive games.
Pacific Grove's record is now 12-6. As for Carmel, they pushed their record up to 14-4 with the victory, which was their fourth straight at home.
Thursday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Carmel has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .452. However, it's not like Pacific Grove struggles in that department as they've averaged .468. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Come back here after the game to get an analysis of the match and other softball content.
