The Novato Hornets will challenge the Pinole Valley Spartans at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Novato is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.2 runs per game this season.
Novato came out on top against Branson on Thursday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run fourth inning. The Hornets walked away with a 7-3 victory over the Bulls. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Hornets.
Griffin Vorhaus spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered just two earned (and one unearned) runs on five hits and racked up nine Ks. He also tossed a walk, which is notable because Novato is undefeated when he allows at most one walk, but 7-8 otherwise.
Julian Oliver
| 04/24/25 @ Branson | 2 |
| 04/04/25 @ San Rafael | 1 |
| 03/25/25 @ American Canyon | 1 |
| 03/18/25 vs San Marin | 1 |
| 03/13/25 @ Archie Williams | 1 |
At the plate, Julian Oliver was incredible, going 2-for-3 with four RBI, two doubles, and one run. Those two doubles gave him a new career-high.
Meanwhile, Pinole Valley entered their tilt with Albany on Friday with three consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with four. They came out on top against the Cougars by a score of 6-1.
Pinole Valley also let their pitcher toss all 7.2 innings and he was also dialed-in: Ivan Rojo gave up only one earned run on four hits and racked up 15 Ks. Rojo has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Rey Malan, who went 2-for-4 with one home run, one stolen base, and two RBI. That home run was his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Charles Vargas, who went 1-for-4 with one triple, one run, and one RBI.
Pinole Valley hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least four batters in three consecutive matchups.
Novato's win was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 10-8. The road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.3 runs on average over those games. As for Pinole Valley, the win got them back to even at 9-9-1.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Saturday as neither team is afraid to steal. Novato has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.2 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Pinole Valley struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 4 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
