Payton College Prep and Taft are an even 5-5 against one another since May of 2021, but likely not for long. The Grizzlies will welcome the Eagles at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Payton College Prep is coming into the contest hot, having won their last seven games.
Payton College Prep's pitching crew heads into the game hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Monday. Everything went their way against Amundsen as they made off with a 10-0 victory. The result was nothing new for the Grizzlies, who have now won six matches by seven runs or more so far this season.
Derek Patton
| 04/14/25 vs Amundsen | 2 |
| 04/08/25 @ Taft | 1 |
| 04/05/25 @ North Shore Country Day | 1 |
| 05/11/24 @ IC Catholic Prep | 1 |
| 04/30/24 vs Whitney Young | 1 |
Derek Patton made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out seven over six innings pitched. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Payton College Prep is 2-1 when he allows at most one earned run, but 5-6 otherwise. Patton was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in doubles (two).
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Caleb Salgado, who went 2-for-3 with one home run and three runs. He is becoming a predictor of Payton College Prep's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 3-7 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Nathan Volkens, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI and one stolen base.
Payton College Prep kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 11 hits in seven consecutive contests.
The home team had come away the winner the last four times Taft and Lincoln Park had met, but sadly for the fans who attended this one that wasn't the case. The Eagles took a 13-8 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Lions on Monday. Eagles fans who chose to attend the game sure picked the wrong one: it was the first time the team's lost against the Lions since on Monday.
Taft also got a good showing from Brian DeCastris, who tossed three innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off two hits. DeCastris has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two hits any time he's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, Nathan Meara made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored two runs while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. Lucas Espinosa was another key player, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.
The win got Payton College Prep back to even at 7-7. As for Taft, their loss dropped their record down to 6-8.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Payton College Prep has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .464. However, it's not like Taft struggles in that department as they've averaged .472. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Payton College Prep took their victory against Taft in their previous meeting on Tuesday by a conclusive 12-1 score. Will the Grizzlies repeat their success, or do the Eagles have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
