The Berkeley Yellowjackets will challenge the Irvington Vikings at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Irvington took a loss in their last game and will be looking to turn the tables on Berkeley, who comes in off a win.
Berkeley took an eight-run defeat the last time they faced off against Las Lomas, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Yellowjackets sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 9-7 win over the Knights on Tuesday. The Yellowjackets' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Maceo Rose looked comfortable as he tossed 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than one hit any time he's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Akanni Owodunni, who fired off two home runs and five RBI while going 3-for-3. Those home runs marked the first that he has launched this season. Another player making a difference was Enrique Sotelo, who went 2-for-4 with one triple, two RBI, and one run.
Berkeley hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least five batters every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Irvington was not able to break out of their rough patch on Wednesday as the team picked up their 11th straight loss dating back to last season. They lost 17-0 to Monte Vista.
Berkeley now has a winning record of 2-1-1. As for Irvington, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Berkeley has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Irvington struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Berkeley got the 'W' in their previous matchup back in March of 2018 against Irvington by a conclusive 14-0 score. Will the Yellowjackets repeat their success, or do the Vikings have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
