Gateway hasn't had much luck against Alameda recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Olympians will venture away from home to square off against the Pirates at 3:30 p.m. Gateway has given up an average of 7.1 runs per game this season, but Tuesday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Gateway came into their game on Friday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They came up short against Northfield, falling 20-1.
Gateway saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Maikol Ochoa, who went 2-for-3 with one run.
Meanwhile, Alameda waltzed into their game on Saturday with 16 straight wins... but they left with 17. They put the hurt on the Bulldogs with a sharp 11-4 win. Considering the Pirates have won 17 matches by more than five runs this season, Saturday's blowout was nothing new.
Cesar H made a splash no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits. Those seven strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. He has been hot recently, having posted two or more stolen bases the last four times he's played.
In other batting news, Ivan Baca was a standout: he got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Alan Chairez, who went 3-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Alameda kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 13 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits in 17 consecutive contests.
Alameda's record is now 19-2. As for Gateway, their defeat dropped their record down to 10-8.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Gateway has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Alameda struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 8.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Gateway might still be hurting after the 9-0 loss they got from Alameda in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Can the Olympians avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
