The South Spartans will venture away from home to challenge the Sonora Raiders at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (South 3.8, Sonora 2.6) so any runs scored will be well earned.
South is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They never let Culver City get on the board and left with a 2-0 victory. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Spartans have posted since April 4th.
South's victory was truly a team effort as three different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Dane Rhodes, who went 1-for-3 with one run and one double.
Meanwhile, Sonora came out on top against Linfield Christian on Friday by a score of 3-2 (the very same score they lost by in their prior game).
Caleb Orr made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He pitched two 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 two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one run and one double.
In other pitching news, Robby Blaine tossed a big game, tossing five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. Sonora is 8-1 when Blaine allows one or fewer earned runs, but 9-11 otherwise.
South pushed their record up to 16-13 with the win, which was their fourth straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Sonora, their record is now 17-12.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. South has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Sonora struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
