The Villa Park Spartans will venture away from home to square off against the El Dorado Golden Hawks at 3:15 p.m. on Monday. Villa Park will be looking to extend their current eight-game winning streak.
Villa Park barely beat Foothill the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Spartans were the clear victors by an 11-2 margin over the Knights on Friday. The game was the first time the Spartans have beaten the Knights on their field since March 19, 2024.
Jake Nobles was a major factor no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit over four innings pitched. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up a single earned run in eight consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI. That's the most hits he has posted since back in March.
In other pitching news, Cade Cowle looked comfortable as he pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one walk in seven consecutive appearances.
Shawn Romero
| 05/02/25 @ Foothill | 3 |
| 04/01/25 vs Fullerton | 2 |
| 03/29/25 vs Laguna Beach | 2 |
| 03/26/24 @ Riverton | 2 |
| 02/23/24 @ Dana Hills | 2 |
Back at the plate, Shawn Romero was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs and two RBI. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Gunner Santillo, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
Villa Park always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .535. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Foothill only posted an OBP of .222.
The home team had won the previous two meetings between El Dorado and El Modena, and El Dorado kept the tradition alive. The Golden Hawks had just enough and edged out the Vanguards 5-4 on Friday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Golden Hawks have posted since April 2nd.
Villa Park's victory was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 21-5. Those road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 6.8 runs over those games. As for El Dorado, their record is now 19-7.
Villa Park was able to grind out a solid victory over El Dorado in their previous matchup back in March, winning 6-3. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Spartans since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
