The Van Nuys Wolves will face off against the Bell Eagles at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Van Nuys is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 10.4 runs per game this season.
Van Nuys is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Monday. They put the hurt on Alliance Bloomfield with a sharp 19-2 win. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Wolves.
ARIEL PUENTE made a big impact no matter where she played. She tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. PUENTE was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with four stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
In other pitching news, Linda Avila looked comfortable as she tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits.
Back at the plate, Van Nuys let Angelina Volpe and Isabella Espinoza run wild. Volpe got on base in three of her four plate appearances with four stolen bases and three runs, while Espinoza went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. That's the most stolen bases Espinoza has posted since back in April. Another player making a difference was EMILY VILLARREAL, who went 1-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base.
Van Nuys always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .667. They are a perfect 9-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Bell, who bounced back after a loss on the road two weeks ago. They walked away with a 6-2 victory over South East two weeks ago.
Telly Mendoza spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on five hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Audrey Martinez was excellent, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Jayleen Urbina, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and two runs.
Bell's win bumped their record up to 8-13. As for Van Nuys, their victory bumped their record up to 11-9.
Wednesday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Van Nuys has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .525. However, it's not like Bell struggles in that department as they've averaged .436. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
