The Downey Vikings will take on the Artesia Pioneers in a tournament on Saturday. Downey is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.
Downey had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the ten-run drubbing they dealt Whittier on Thursday. Downey blew past Whittier 15-5. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Vikings considering their two-run performance the match before.
Leilani Kaiwi Gonzales tossed a big game, pitching five innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits.
Delilah Navarro
| 03/06/25 vs Whittier | 3 |
| 02/13/24 @ Norwalk | 2 |
| 02/25/25 vs El Rancho | 1 |
| 02/20/25 @ Sunny Hills | 1 |
| 05/07/24 @ Chaminade | 1 |
On the hitting side, Delilah Navarro was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-3. The dominant performance gave her a new career-high in runs. The team also got some help courtesy of Juliet Gonzalez, who scored two runs while going 3-for-3.
Downey always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .606. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Artesia came tearing into Tuesday's game with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 10.3 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They came within a single run of losing the streak, but they secured a 3-2 W against the Coyotes. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Pioneers have posted since February 24, 2024.
Alea Medina was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off five hits. She also put up four walks, which were her first of the season. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one triple, one stolen base, and one run. Medina is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: she's snagged at least one every time she's taken the field this season.
Medina wasn't the only one making solid contact as two players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Khloe Loquellano, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base and one RBI. Loquellano has been hot recently, having posted at least one stolen base the last three times she's played.
Downey's record is now 4-1. As for Artesia, their record is now an identical 4-1.
Saturday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Downey hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .355. However, it's not like Artesia struggles in that department as they've averaged .354. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.
