Highland is preparing for their first league matchup of the season on Monday. They will host the Bakersfield Drillers at 4:00 p.m. Highland will be looking to extend their current four-game winning streak.
Highland is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. Everything went their way against Firebaugh on Monday as Highland made off with a 15-2 victory. While the Scots didn't have the best season last year (they finished 11-18), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past.
Santiago Blanco
| 03/24/25 @ Firebaugh | 3 |
| 03/11/25 @ Edison | 2 |
| 02/26/25 vs Arvin | 2 |
| 04/09/24 vs Independence | 2 |
| 03/12/25 vs Taft | 1 |
Santiago Blanco was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (and not a single walk). What's more, he gave up only zero walks, the fewest he's had since back in April of 2024. He was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4. Those three runs gave him a new career-high.
In other pitching news, Paul Flores looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit.
Blanco wasn't the only one making solid contact as nine players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Anthony Garza, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 3-for-3. What's more, Garza posted three RBI, the most he's had since back in February of 2024. Richard Gutierrez was another, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-4.
Highland was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .441. That's the best batting average they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Bakersfield came up short against Arvin on Tuesday and fell 5-1.
Highland pushed their record up to 8-1 with the win, which was their third straight on the road. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.0 runs over those games. As for Bakersfield, their loss dropped their record down to 1-7-1.
Highland's speedy runners might be the difference in Monday's game. Highland has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.7 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Bakersfield, though, as they've been averaging only 1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Highland continue to outrun the ball?
Highland suffered a grim 8-1 defeat to Bakersfield in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Will Highland have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
