The Lompoc Braves will head out to square off against the Templeton Eagles at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Each of these teams will be battling to keep a three-game winning streak alive.
Lompoc proved they can win big on Tuesday (they won by 15) and on Thursday they proved they can win the close ones too. They won by a run and slipped past Dos Pueblos 5-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Braves have posted against the Chargers since April 9, 2021.
Alex Brooks looked comfortable as she tossed 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits.
On the hitting side, Lompoc let Rianna Stouppe and Teagan Thompson run wild. Stouppe went 1-for-3 with one home run and two runs, while Thompson went 2-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Natalie Aguilar, who went 3-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
Lompoc lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've posted since back in March of 2024.
Meanwhile, Templeton posted their closest win since April 24, 2024 on Tuesday. They skirted past King City 5-4.
Tegan Jay spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and one unearned) runs on six hits and racked up 13 Ks. Those 13 strikeouts set a new season-high mark for her.
At the plate, Emma Kriling was excellent, scoring a run and stealing a base while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. That stolen base was her first of the season. Emma Marquart was another key player, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.
Lompoc's record now sits at 3-0. As for Templeton, their record is now 3-1.
Friday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Lompoc hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .385. However, it's not like Templeton struggles in that department as they've averaged .333. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Lompoc might still be hurting after the 11-5 loss they got from Templeton in their previous matchup back in May of 2023. Can Lompoc avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
