The Marshall Eagles will head out on the road to challenge the Arroyo Knights at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Marshall's pitching crew has only allowed 3.6 runs per game this season, so Arroyo's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Marshall is probably headed into the match with a chip on their shoulder considering South El Monte just ended the team's three-game winning streak on Wednesday. They took a 10-6 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Eagles.
Nate Callaway was huge no matter where he played even without the win. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and four unearned) runs off five hits. Callaway has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive pitching appearances. Callaway was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-5 with four RBI.
In other batting news, Derek Esparza and Adan Castro did some serious damage despite the final result: Esparza went 3-for-5 with two doubles and an RBI, while Castro scored two runs while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Ben Muro, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 1-for-4.
Even though they lost, Marshall didn't let batters stay on the plate for long and finished the game with 14 strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as South El Monte only tossed five.
Meanwhile, Arroyo entered their tilt with Rosemead with three consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with four. They walked away with a 12-8 win over the Panthers on Friday.
Like Marshall, Arroyo also got a great game from a two-way player: Gabriel Rosales. Throwing, Rosales struck out six batters over five innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits (and only one walk). Meanwhile, Richard Inostroz tossed an inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. At bat, Rosales scored two runs while going 3-for-5, while Inostroz scored two runs while going 1-for-4.
In other batting news, Fernando Gonzalez was incredible, scoring three runs while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. Romeo Arevalo was another key contributor, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-4.
Marshall's record now sits at 10-8. As for Arroyo, their victory was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 14-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Marshall has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 10.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Arroyo struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.8. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Marshall couldn't quite finish off Arroyo in their previous matchup back in March and fell 4-2. Can Marshall avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
