Crystal Springs Uplands hasn't had much luck against Harker recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Gryphons will square off against the Eagles at 5:00 p.m. Crystal Springs Uplands is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.4 runs per game this season.
Crystal Springs Uplands took a six-run defeat the last time they faced off against South San Francisco, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Gryphons came out on top in a nail-biter against the Warriors on Thursday, sneaking past 3-2.
Tyler Hanebrink
| 05/08/25 vs South San Francisco | 3 |
| 04/29/25 vs Westmoor | 2 |
| 05/10/24 @ San Jose | 2 |
| 05/07/24 @ Westmoor | 2 |
| 04/23/24 @ Jefferson | 2 |
Crystal Springs Uplands let Connor Uchida and Tyler Hanebrink run wild. Uchida went 1-for-2 with two runs and one double, while Hanebrink went 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double. Those three RBI gave Hanebrink a new career-high.
Meanwhile, Harker entered their tilt with Gunderson on Monday with three consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with four. They were the clear victors by an 11-0 margin over the Grizzlies. The Eagles might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won nine matchups by seven runs or more this season.
Shaurya Jain made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Mason Brooks, who went 2-for-4 with three runs, two RBI, and one double. Harker is undefeated when Brooks posts two or more runs, but 7-8 otherwise. Aarav Borthakur also deserves some recognition as he hit his first triple of the season.
Harker was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .375. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Gunderson only posted a batting average of .167.
Crystal Springs Uplands pushed their record up to 17-3 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.8 runs on average over those games. As for Harker, their record now sits at 12-8.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Crystal Springs Uplands has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Harker struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.1 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Crystal Springs Uplands was able to grind out a solid win over Harker when the teams last played back in April, winning 4-0. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Gryphons since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
