The University Prep Pumas will head out to challenge the Vashon Island Pirates at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
University Prep is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. Everything went their way against Granite Falls on Wednesday as they made off with a 15-6 win. The Pumas might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won three games by eight runs or more this season.
Owen Bradley
| 04/09/25 vs Granite Falls | 2 |
| 03/15/25 @ Tyee | 2 |
| 03/13/25 @ Bellevue Christian | 2 |
| 03/24/25 @ Overlake | 1 |
| 03/21/25 @ Ingraham | 1 |
Owen Bradley was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out ten batters over four innings while giving up three earned runs off four hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. He was even better at the plate, scoring four runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. He is becoming a predictor of University Prep's success: when he posts at least two stolen bases the team is 2-1 (and 1-3 when he doesn't).
In other batting news, University Prep let Grady Stone and Wade Suess run wild. Stone scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances, while Suess scored a run while getting on base in four of his five plate appearances. Cole Simon also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Meanwhile, Vashon Island beat Chimacum 6-1 two weeks ago. The victory continues a trend for the Pirates in their matchups with the Cowboys: they've now won five in a row.
Like University Prep, Vashon Island also got a great game from a two-way player: Charlie Walker. He didn't allow a single earned run while striking out 13 over seven innings pitched. Those 13 strikeouts gave Walker a new career-high. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.
Walker wasn't the only one making solid contact as three players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Dominic Medeiros, who went 1-for-3 with three RBI and one double.
The win made it two in a row for University Prep and bumps their season record up to 3-4. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.0 runs over those games. As for Vashon Island, they now have a winning record of 2-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. University Prep has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Vashon Island struggles in that department as they've been averaging 11.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
University Prep took their win against Vashon Island when the teams last played back in March of 2022 by a conclusive 12-3 score. Do the Pumas have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Pirates turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
