Palo Verde Valley hasn't had much luck against Southwest EC recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. After both having extra time off, the two teams will shake off the rust and duke it out at 7:00 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Palo Verde Valley not only won two weeks ago, but they posted their biggest win since April 18, 2024 (when they won 22-7). They were the clear victors by an 11-1 margin over Calipatria. The win continues a trend for the Yellow Jackets in their matchups with the Hornets: they've now won eight in a row.
Jaydon Castillo
| 04/14/25 @ Calipatria | 12 |
| 02/28/25 vs Lowry | 8 |
| 03/25/24 @ Canyon Hills | 7 |
| 03/08/24 vs North Valley Christian Academy | 6 |
| 05/07/24 vs Central | 5 |
Jaydon Castillo made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out 12 over seven innings pitched. Those 12 strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Palo Verde Valley let Drew Wright and Aiden Cano run wild. Wright went 3-for-5 with two runs, one triple, and one double, while Cano went 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBI. Those two RBI gave Cano a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Kole White, who went 3-for-4 with two runs and one RBI.
Palo Verde Valley kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, it may have taken ten innings to finish the job, but Southwest EC ultimately got the result they hoped for last Thursday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Imperial, sneaking past 12-11. The victory was familiar territory for the Eagles, who have now won six games in a row.
Jose Salcido was a major factor no matter where he played. He struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off seven hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in four of his seven plate appearances with two runs and two RBI.
In other batting news, Brock London was a standout: he went 3-for-6 with three doubles, two runs, and one RBI. Matthew Sosa was another key player, going a perfect 1-for-1 with one home run.
Southwest EC pushed their record up to 19-3 with the win, which was their seventh straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.9 runs over those games. As for Palo Verde Valley, their win bumped their record up to 12-8-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Palo Verde Valley has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Southwest EC struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Palo Verde Valley might still be hurting after the 14-8 defeat they got from Southwest EC in their previous meeting back in February of 2023. Will the Yellow Jackets have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
