Academy for Academic Excellence is 1-9 against University Prep since March of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Tuesday. The Knights will face off against the Jaguars at 3:30 p.m. Academy for Academic Excellence has given up an average of 9.6 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Academy for Academic Excellence took a 11-run loss the last time they faced off against Excelsior Charter, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Knights narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past the Eagles 12-11. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Knights considering their two-run performance the game before.
Kayla Berg was incredible, going a perfect 5-for-5 with four runs, two stolen bases, and one triple. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024. Hayden Gonzales also deserves some recognition as she launched her first home run of the season.
Academy for Academic Excellence was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .500. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .333 or higher in three consecutive matches.
Riverside Prep hit University Prep with a five-run first inning on Thursday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Jaguars came up short against the Silver Knights, falling 10-4. The Jaguars' defeat signaled the end of their five-game winning streak.
Paityn Zimmerman and Saidy Gonzalez stepped up to the plate in a big way. Zimmerman went 2-for-3 with one home run and two runs, while Gonzalez went 2-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. Another player making a difference was Sophia Perea, who went 2-for-4 with one home run.
With the victory, Academy for Academic Excellence broke their three-game losing streak and moved their record to 8-9-1. As for University Prep, their loss was their first in the league, dropping their league record down to 5-1 and their overall record down to 13-4.
Tuesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Academy for Academic Excellence has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .485. However, it's not like University Prep struggles in that department as they've averaged .444. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
