The Providence Pioneers are taking a road trip to square off against the Polytechnic Panthers at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Providence is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.7 runs per game this season.
While Providence's victory against Bishop Alemany wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Pioneers narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past the Warriors 8-6. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Pioneers.
Madelynn Watts
| 04/15/25 @ Bishop Alemany | 5 |
| 04/11/25 vs Westridge | 11 |
| 04/09/25 @ Flintridge Prep | 10 |
| 04/07/25 @ Mayfield | 10 |
| 04/01/25 vs Rio Hondo Prep | 15 |
Madelynn Watts made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run over seven innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in five consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 2-for-4.
In other batting news, Gloria Galindo was incredible, scoring two runs while going 3-for-3. She also hit a double, marking her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Evangelina Aleman, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one double.
Providence kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, it may have taken ten innings to finish the job, but Polytechnic ultimately got the result they hoped for on Tuesday. They skirted past Mayfield 8-6. The game was the first time the Panthers have beaten the Cubs on their field since April 2, 2019.
Amelia Shih spent all ten innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and four unearned) runs on six hits and racked up six Ks.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Eila Chan, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-4. Piper Hart was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing three bases.
Polytechnic is on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five games. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-4 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.6 runs on average over those games. As for Providence, they now have a winning record of 4-3.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Providence has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .451. However, it's not like Polytechnic struggles in that department as they've averaged .441. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Providence took their win against Polytechnic in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 11-0 score. Will the Pioneers repeat their success, or do the Panthers have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
