Livermore hasn't had much luck against California recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Livermore Cowboys will challenge the California Grizzlies at 4:00 p.m. Livermore's pitching crew has only allowed 2.9 runs per game this season, so California's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Livermore is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They put the hurt on Mission San Jose with a sharp 22-2 win on Tuesday. The team's explosion at the plate also rewarded the Cowboys with their most commanding win of the season.
Dylan Wherry
| 03/18/25 vs Mission San Jose | 6 |
| 03/13/25 @ Tracy | 5 |
| 04/06/24 vs Northgate | 4 |
| 03/07/25 @ Petaluma | 2 |
Dylan Wherry was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out six batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off four hits. Those six strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was even better at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, four RBI, and one double.
In other pitching news, Ryker Bortoli looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two hits any time he's pitched this season.
Back at the plate, Livermore got a massive performance out of Hayden Maas, who scored three runs and stole Four bases. while going 2-for-3. Livermore is undefeated when Maas posts two or more runs, but 2-4 otherwise. AJ Cook also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen bases of the season.
Livermore always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .583. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Mission San Jose only posted an OBP of .387.
Meanwhile, it may have taken nine innings to finish the job, but California ultimately got the result they hoped for on Wednesday. They came out on top against Dublin by a score of 5-2. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Grizzlies.
Brayden Gijbels tossed a big game, striking out eight batters over 5.1 innings while giving up just one earned run off seven hits (and only one walk).
At the plate, California saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Angelo Sherman, who scored a run while going 1-for-4. Another was Grayden Wright, who scored a run while going 1-for-3.
Livermore now has a winning record of 5-4. As for California, their record is now 4-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Livermore has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like California struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Livermore beat California 4-1 when the teams last played back in April of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for Livermore since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
