Baseball Game Preview: Don Lugo Conquistadores vs. Diamond Ranch Panthers

Don Lugo is preparing for their first league matchup of the season on Friday. They will host the Diamond Ranch Panthers at 3:30 p.m. Diamond Ranch took a loss in their last match and will be looking to turn the tables on Don Lugo, who comes in off a win.

Having struggled with four losses in a row dating back to last season, Don Lugo turned things around against Ontario Christian on Tuesday. They came out on top against the Knights by a score of 7-2. The Conquistadores' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

Julian Perezchica

Base on Balls Against

03/04/25 @ Ontario Christian	2
02/25/25 vs Rancho Cucamonga	1
02/20/25 @ Chino Hills	0

Julian Perezchica spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered two runs (both of which were unearned) on six hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks any time he's pitched this season.

On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Jayden Ruiz, who scored two runs while going 2-for-3. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Steven Marker, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI and one double.

Don Lugo hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their strikeout total in three consecutive contests.

Meanwhile, Diamond Ranch might've scored the first runs on Tuesday, but it was Pomona who claimed the real prize. Diamond Ranch took an 8-3 hit to the loss column at the hands of Pomona.

Ethan Lomeli made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4. He also hit two doubles, marking his first of the season.

Don Lugo's first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-3. As for Diamond Ranch, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-2.

Don Lugo was able to grind out a solid win over Diamond Ranch when the teams last played back in March of 2017, winning 7-2. Will Don Lugo repeat their success, or does Diamond Ranch have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.