The Rocklin Thunder will challenge the Franklin Wildcats at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Rocklin's pitching crew has only allowed 2.5 runs per game this season, so Franklin's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Rocklin came out on top against Davis Sr. on Thursday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run fifth inning. The Thunder narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past the Blue Devils 4-2.
Andrew Hancock
| 04/24/25 @ Davis Sr. | 5 |
| 04/16/25 vs Whitney | 0 |
| 04/10/25 @ Folsom | 3 |
| 04/03/25 vs Whitney | 6 |
Rocklin got a great performance from Andrew Hancock as he tossed five innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. What's more, Hancock posted five strikeouts, the most he's had over his last four games.
At the plate, Colby Pudge was excellent, going 1-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. Matthew Janowiak also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Meanwhile, after a string of three wins, Franklin's good fortune finally ran out on Friday. They wound up with the same score they had in their last game (3-2), but sadly the team found themselves on the wrong side of the score this time.
Nolan Manaois and Dylan Minnatee stepped up to the plate in a big way. Manaois went 2-for-3 with one triple and one run, while Minnatee went 2-for-4 with one triple and one run.
Rocklin's victory was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 19-5. The road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.0 runs over those games. As for Franklin, they suffered their first home defeat, dropping their record down to 18-6.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Rocklin has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Franklin struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 6.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Rocklin took their victory against Franklin in their previous meeting back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 7-1 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Thunder since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
