The Chadwick Dolphins will head out to square off against the Polytechnic Panthers at 3:45 p.m. on Friday. The last three games Chadwick has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
On Wednesday, Chadwick didn't have quite enough to beat Mayfield and fell 6-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest defeat the Dolphins have suffered against the Cubs since April 27, 2021.
Sammy Santa Ana
| 04/09/25 vs Mayfield | 11 |
| 04/08/25 @ Rio Hondo Prep | 13 |
| 03/20/25 vs Westridge | 16 |
| 03/19/25 @ Flintridge Prep | 16 |
| 03/07/25 @ Wiseburn- Da Vinci | 8 |
| + 2 more games |
Sammy Santa Ana spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and two unearned) runs on two hits and racked up 11 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than eight strikeouts any time she's pitched this season.
At the plate, Chadwick saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Araya Tekeste, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 1-for-4. Dami Ogundimu also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Polytechnic). They blew past Westridge 19-1 on Tuesday. The Panthers have beaten the Tigers the last five times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Tigers has come to flipping the script.
Amelia Shih and Kate Asperger made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Shih didn't allow a single earned run over four innings pitched. Meanwhile, Asperger tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. At the plate, Shih scored two runs and stole two bases while going 1-for-3, while Asperger scored two runs and stole three bases while going 3-for-3.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Brynn Connolly, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one home run, four stolen bases, and three runs. Carthan Connolly was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing three bases while getting on base in four of her five plate appearances.
Polytechnic always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .568. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Chadwick has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 2-5 record this season. As for Polytechnic, they now have a winning record of 4-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Chadwick has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 11.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Polytechnic struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Chadwick suffered a grim 22-2 defeat to Polytechnic when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can the Dolphins avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
