The Irvington Vikings are taking a road trip to face off against the Berkeley Yellowjackets at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Irvington has now lost 11 straight dating back to last season, leaving the team hunting for their first win since April 11.
Irvington fell victim to Monte Vista and their airtight pitching crew on Wednesday. They lost 17-0 to the Mustangs.
Berkeley let Las Lomas stack five runs on them in the third inning on Tuesday but luckily Berkeley prevailed anyway. The Yellowjackets sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 9-7 win over the Knights. The Yellowjackets' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Maceo Rose looked comfortable as he pitched 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one hit any time he's pitched this season.
At the plate, Akanni Owodunni was incredible, firing off two home runs and five RBI while going 3-for-3. Those home runs marked the first that he has launched this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Enrique Sotelo, who went 2-for-4 with one triple, two RBI, and one run.
Berkeley hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least five batters every time they've taken the field this season.
Irvington's loss dropped their record down to 0-3. As for Berkeley, they now have a winning record of 2-1-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Irvington has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Berkeley struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Irvington suffered a grim 14-0 defeat to Berkeley in their previous meeting back in March of 2018. Can the Vikings avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
