The Walnut Mustangs will head out to challenge the Ayala Bulldogs at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Walnut has given up an average of 8.2 runs per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Walnut headed into their last matchup having not scored more than two runs for four straight, but Claremont let them put that streak behind them. The Mustangs blew past the Wolfpack 23-17 on Wednesday. The win was some much needed relief for the Mustangs as it spelled an end to their four-game losing streak.
Randi Avina
| 04/22/26 vs Claremont | 3 |
| 03/27/26 @ Claremont | 1 |
| 03/21/26 vs Chaparral | 1 |
| 03/12/26 @ West Covina | 1 |
| 03/10/26 @ Wilson | 1 |
Walnut got a massive performance out of Randi Avina, who went 3-for-5 with three runs and four RBI. Those three runs gave Avina a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Kaitlyn McGill, who went 3-for-4 with one home run and two RBI.
They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Walnut kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 25 hits. That's the most hits they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Ayala entered their contest against Glendora on Wednesday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. The Bulldogs fell just short of the Tartans by a score of 5-4.
Lilianna Acosta put in work while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over 6.1 innings while giving up five earned runs off seven hits (and not a single walk). She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with one home run and two RBI.
Acosta wasn't the only one making solid contact as six players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Jayden Tamura, who went 2-for-4 with one run.
Ayala's defeat was their first in the league, dropping their league record down to 6-1 and their overall record down to 13-4. As for Walnut, they now have a winning record of 10-9.
Both the two teams just can't seem to miss. Walnut has been making plenty of contact this season, having averaged 10.1 hits per game. However, it's not like Ayala struggles in that department as they've been averaging only 5.2 hits. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Walnut might still be hurting after the 16-2 loss they got from Ayala in their previous matchup back in March. Can the Mustangs avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
