Monta Vista is 2-8 against Saratoga since March of 2022 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Tuesday. Monta Vista will host Saratoga at 4:00 p.m. Monta Vista is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season.
While Monta Vista didn't have the best season last year (they finished 8-19), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They came out on top against Summit Shasta by a score of 7-3 on Saturday.
Aiden Koppes
| 03/29/25 vs Summit Shasta | 2 |
| 03/24/25 @ Hill | 2 |
| 03/15/25 vs Jefferson | 1 |
| 03/11/25 vs Santa Clara | 2 |
| 03/08/25 vs Pinewood | 1 |
Aiden Koppes spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered three earned runs on four hits and racked up eight Ks. He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Kaito Miyanouchi Porter was incredible, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, one triple, and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Joseph Murai, who went 1-for-4 with two runs and one triple.
Monta Vista hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Summit Shasta struck out eight times.
Meanwhile, Saratoga came into Thursday's matchup having lost three straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They put the hurt on Lynbrook with a sharp 8-1 win on Thursday. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since May 4, 2023, but that streak is no more.
Brandon Chen made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He is becoming a predictor of Saratoga's success: when he allows at most one hit the team is 2-1 (and 0-5 when he doesn't). Chen was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-3. Those hits were his first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Doug Bettinger, who went 3-for-4 with one home run, two runs, and one stolen base. He has become a key player for Saratoga: the team is 2-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 0-5 otherwise. Eli Safine was another key player, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-3.
Monta Vista has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-3 record this season. Saratoga's victory bumped their record up to 2-6.
Monta Vista skirted past Saratoga 7-5 in their previous matchup on March 6th. Will Monta Vista repeat their success, or does Saratoga has a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
