Pinole Valley is 9-1 against El Cerrito since April of 2021 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Tuesday. The Spartans will be playing at home against the Gauchos at 4:30 p.m. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Pinole Valley 3.5, El Cerrito 2.3) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Having struggled with three losses in a row, Pinole Valley turned things around against Saint Mary's on Wednesday. They blew past the Panthers 12-1. The Spartans might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won six matchups by six runs or more this season.
Mckenzie Ortega
| 04/16/25 vs Saint Mary's | 6 |
| 04/14/25 vs Salesian College Preparatory | 11 |
| 04/10/25 @ Analy | 12 |
| 04/03/25 @ Alhambra | 8 |
| 04/01/25 vs Concord | 8 |
| + 10 more games |
Mckenzie Ortega made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs, three RBI, and one double.
In other batting news, Ayla Serrano was a standout: she went a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs, three RBI, and one triple. Avery Phillips was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one triple, two RBI, and one run.
Pinole Valley kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are 5-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 29 runs the game before, El Cerrito was a bit more limited in their contest on Monday. They came up short against Arroyo, falling 8-2. The loss was the Gauchos' first of the season.
Arlie Tatum made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with two doubles, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Pinole Valley's victory bumped their record up to 9-6. As for El Cerrito, their defeat was their first of the season and makes their record 13-1.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Pinole Valley has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like El Cerrito struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 9.1 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Pinole Valley took their win against El Cerrito when the teams last played back in May of 2024 by a conclusive 7-1 score. Do the Spartans have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Gauchos turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
