The Hilltop Lancers will take on the Clairemont Chieftains at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Hilltop is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.4 runs per game this season.
Last Monday, Hilltop got the win against Montgomery by a conclusive 11-3. The victory continues a trend for the Lancers in their matchups with the Aztecs: they've now won four in a row.
Catherine Vasquez spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on five hits and racked up nine Ks.
On the hitting side, Nevaeh Matos and Olivia Mertz did most of the damage at the plate: Matos went 3-for-5 with four RBI, two runs, and two doubles, while Mertz scored three runs and stole three bases while going 3-for-4. That's the most doubles Matos has posted since back in March. Kaylani Sablan was another key player, scoring a run while going 3-for-5.
Hilltop hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters in nine consecutive games.
For some reason, the away team has come away with the win the last five times Clairemont and Mira Mesa have met, but the home crowd finally got their W on Tuesday. The Chieftains came out on top in a nail-biter against the Marauders, sneaking past 4-3. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Chieftains have posted against the Marauders since May 20, 2021.
Clairemont also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Gigi Villalpando gave up just two earned (and one unearned) runs on five hits.
At the plate, Clairemont got a big performance out of Justice Reese, who scored a run while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Claire Brancheau, who scored a run while going 3-for-4.
Hilltop pushed their record up to 7-7-1 with the victory, which was their third straight on the road. Those road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.0 runs over those games. As for Clairemont, the victory got them back to even at 7-7.
Wednesday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Hilltop hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .326. However, it's not like Clairemont struggles in that department as they've averaged .332. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hilltop might still be hurting after the 9-0 loss they got from Clairemont when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Will the Lancers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
