The Foothill Tech Dragons will square off against the Ventura Cougars at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Foothill Tech is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.
Foothill Tech took a loss when they played away from home on Saturday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Monday. They blew past Channel Islands 8-1. The Dragons haven't had any issues with the Raiders recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.
Connor Nelles
| 03/24/26 vs Royal | 5 |
| 03/12/26 @ Calabasas | 4 |
| 03/05/26 @ Chaminade | 2 |
Connor Nelles spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on three hits. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Foothill Tech is 3-1 when he allows at most two earned runs, but 4-6 otherwise.
On the hitting side, Robert Juker and Shane White did most of the damage at the plate: Juker went 2-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double, while White went 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. That's the most hits White has posted since back in February. Another player making a difference was Davin Arth, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base.
Meanwhile, Ventura was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were two runs away from ending the streak, but they lost a 9-7 heartbreaker at the hands of Buena. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest defeat the Cougars have suffered since February 21st.
Lucas Lombardo made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with three RBI and one run. Kyle Godwin was another key player, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and one run.
Ventura's loss dropped their record down to 3-11. As for Foothill Tech, the victory got them back to even at 7-7.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Wednesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Foothill Tech has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Ventura struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 2.7 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Foothill Tech suffered a grim 18-2 defeat to Ventura in their previous matchup back in March of 2023. Can the Dragons avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
