South is 8-2 against West since May of 2021 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Wednesday. The South Spartans will be playing in front of their home fans against the West Vikings at 4:00 p.m. The timing is sure in South's favor as the team sits on six straight wins at home (dating back to last season) while West has been banged up by five consecutive losses on the road also dating back to last season.
South's pitching crew heads into the matchup hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Monday. They were the clear victor by a 10-0 margin over Kern Valley. That looming 10-0 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Spartans yet this season.
Tomas Encinas
| 03/10/25 vs Kern Valley | 9 |
| 03/01/25 vs Kennedy | 8 |
| 02/27/25 vs California City | 6 |
| 05/21/24 @ Chavez | 4 |
| 05/14/24 vs Mammoth | 8 |
| + 6 more games |
Tomas Encinas made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out nine over five innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in March of 2024. He was also big at the plate, scoring four runs and stealing Three bases. while going 4-for-4. He also put up a triple, which was his first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Jose Bojorquez, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. What's more, he posted two doubles, the most he's had since back in March of 2024. Felipe Retano was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-2.
South kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Kern Valley only managed three hits.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask West). They put the hurt on Del Oro with a sharp 17-4 victory on Tuesday.
Cash Griffin and Anthony Martinez made a splash no matter where they played. Throwing, Griffin tossed 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Meanwhile, Martinez pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. At bat, Griffin scored three runs and stole Three bases. while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances, while Martinez scored two runs and stole Two bases. while getting on base in both of his plate appearances. Griffin is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games he's played.
In other batting news, Cris Melendez was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing Six bases. while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. The team also got some help courtesy of Ethan Estrada, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3.
West's win bumped their record up to 2-4. As for South, they now have a winning record of 3-2.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Wednesday as neither team is afraid to steal. South has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.6 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like West struggles in that department as they've been averaging 4.7 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
