Upland hasn't had much luck against Etiwanda recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Highlanders will look to defend their home field against the Eagles at 3:15 p.m. The last three games Upland has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
Upland took a loss when they played away from home on Wednesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. They skirted past Los Osos 5-3. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last four times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Upland got a great performance from Issac Carlos as he struck out eight batters over 5.1 innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits (and not a single walk). Carlos has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in 11 consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Darien Maung, who went 2-for-3 with five RBI and two doubles. That's the most doubles he has posted since back in March. Carson Kinnick was another key player, getting on base in two of his three plate appearances with two runs.
Meanwhile, Etiwanda entered their tilt with Rancho Cucamonga on Wednesday with six consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with seven. They blew past the Cougars 14-2. The Eagles might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won nine games by seven runs or more this season.
Michael Aleman got the start for Etiwanda and what a start it was: he struck out seven batters over six innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits (and not a single walk). Landon Durmisevich relieved him and did a solid job, pitching one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits.
At the plate, Etiwanda got a massive performance out of Lj Roellig, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Adam Ornelas, who went 4-for-5 with two runs and one RBI.
Upland's victory bumped their record up to 14-9-2. As for Etiwanda, their win bumped their record up to 17-7.
