Virginia City is 5-0 against Excel Christian since April of 2016, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Saturday. The Virginia City Muckers will be playing at home against the Excel Christian Warriors at 10:00 a.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Last Saturday, Virginia City got the win against Pyramid Lake by a conclusive 12-1. The victory made it back-to-back wins for Virginia City.
JJ Alvear made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned run or hits while striking out 17 over six innings pitched. Alvear has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive pitching appearances. Alvear was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 2-for-4.
In other batting news, Angel Hipolito was excellent, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-4. Another player making a difference was Brody Alston, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-3.
Meanwhile, Excel Christian came into Friday's match having lost four straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They blew past Coleville 14-4. The high-scoring effort was just what Excel Christian needed considering they were shutout in their previous contest.
Like Virginia City, Excel Christian also got a great game from a two-way player: Jonah Calderas. On the mound, he struck out nine batters over 4.2 innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off two hits. Calderas was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-4 with a home run, three runs, and three RBI.
In other batting news, Tommy Schoech was incredible, scoring four runs and stealing a base while going 4-for-4. Cole Gassen was another key contributor, going 3-for-4 with two runs, a triple, and a stolen base.
Virginia City now has a winning record of 5-4. As for Excel Christian, their victory bumped their record up to 3-6.
Saturday's matchup might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Virginia City has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .502. However, it's not like Excel Christian struggles in that department as they've averaged .547. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Virginia City took their win against Excel Christian in their previous meeting back in April of 2023 by a conclusive 15-7. Does Virginia City have another victory up their sleeve, or will Excel Christian turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
