South and North are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2022, but likely not for long. The Spartans will be playing in front of their home fans against the Stars at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.
North will be up against a hot South squad: the team just extended their winning streak to four. The Spartans blew past Mira Monte 11-1 on Thursday. The Spartans might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight contests by six runs or more this season.
Josh Encinas
| 04/24/25 vs Mira Monte | 7 |
| 04/16/25 vs Woodlake | 11 |
| 04/12/25 vs Corcoran | 11 |
| 04/08/25 @ East Bakersfield | 12 |
| 04/03/25 vs West | 7 |
| 04/01/25 @ West | 7 |
Josh Encinas was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over six innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent: he hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in six consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one home run, four runs, and two stolen bases. What's more, he posted four RBI, the most he's had since back in March.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Tomas Encinas, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with three stolen bases, three runs, and one triple. He has been hot recently, having posted two or more stolen bases the last three times he's played.
Meanwhile, North came into Friday's matchup having lost 13 straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. Everything went their way against Mojave on Friday as they made off with a 22-1 win. The Stars not only won on Friday, but they posted their biggest win since March 18th (when they won 23-0).
Like South, North also got a great game from a two-way player: BRANDAN THOMASSON. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out nine batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. THOMASSON was even better at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, one triple, and one stolen base.
In other batting news, North got a massive performance out of TYLER DUNN, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with six RBI, one triple, and one run. The team also got some help courtesy of RILEY STONEBRAKER, who went 3-for-4 with four runs, three RBI, and one double.
North always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .636. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
South's victory bumped their record up to 15-7. As for North, their win bumped their record up to 6-17.
South took their victory against North in their previous matchup back in March by a conclusive 14-3 score. Do the Spartans have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Stars turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
