Big Valley Christian is 2-8 against Turlock Christian since April of 2019 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Lions will face off against the Eagles at 4:00 p.m. Turlock Christian took a loss in their last contest and will be looking to turn the tables on Big Valley Christian, who comes in off a win.
Big Valley Christian is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Tuesday. They were the clear victors by a 23-1 margin over Sacramento Country Day. The Lions' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Anthony Escobedo
| 05/06/25 vs Sacramento Country Day | 7 |
| 04/29/25 @ Bret Harte | 0 |
| 04/22/25 vs Riverbank | 2 |
| 04/19/25 vs Linden | 2 |
| 04/15/25 @ Linden | 2 |
| + 3 more games |
Big Valley Christian got a great performance from Anthony Escobedo as he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out seven over five innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts Escobedo has posted since back in March.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Jackson Howell, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with six stolen bases, four runs, and four RBI. He has become a key player for Big Valley Christian: the team is 2-1 when he posts at least three hits, but 4-14-1 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Alex Avila, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI.
Big Valley Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .659. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Turlock Christian came up short against Venture Academy last Tuesday, falling 8-2. The Eagles have struggled against the Mustangs recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive lost meeting.
Winston York put in work while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up a single earned run in seven consecutive appearances. He was even better at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three doubles and two RBI.
York wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Jake Dein, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base.
Turlock Christian's defeat dropped their record down to 13-5. As for Big Valley Christian, their record now sits at 6-15-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Big Valley Christian has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.5 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Turlock Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Big Valley Christian suffered a grim 10-3 defeat to Turlock Christian when the teams last played back in March. Can the Lions avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
