The Liberty Patriots will head out on the road to challenge the Virgin Valley Bulldogs at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Liberty is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.1 runs per game this season.
Liberty gave up the first runs on Wednesday, but they didn't let that get them down. They were the clear victors by a 13-3 margin over Westminster Christian. The high-scoring effort was just what the Patriots needed considering they were shut out in their previous contest.
Grayden Baker looked comfortable as he pitched 1.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Those zero hits allowed gave him a new career-low.
Jaydrien Klein-Baker
| 03/26/25 vs Westminster Christian | 3 |
| 03/20/25 vs Bishop Moore | 2 |
| 03/01/25 vs Palo Verde | 2 |
| 02/28/25 vs Rancho | 2 |
| 03/01/24 vs Lee Williams | 2 |
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Jaydrien Klein-Baker, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Grant Kelly, who scored three runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3.
Liberty kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 15 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Westminster Christian only managed four hits.
Meanwhile, Virgin Valley was not able to break out of their rough patch on Monday as the team picked up their fifth straight defeat. They fell 6-3 to Pahrump Valley. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last six times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Jordan Goodsell was cooking despite his team's loss, going 1-for-3 with one home run. That home run marked the first that he launched this season.
Liberty has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 11-5 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.0 runs over those games. Virgin Valley's loss dropped their record down to 7-6.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Liberty has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .455. However, it's not like Virgin Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .443. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Liberty took their victory against Virgin Valley in their previous meeting back in April of 2023 by a conclusive 15-0. The rematch might be a little tougher for Liberty since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
