Independence and Bakersfield Christian are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2019, but likely not for long. The Falcons will welcome the Eagles at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The last six games Independence has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.
On Friday, Independence needed a bit of extra time to put away Highland. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past the Scots 5-4.

Destiny Serna
04/25/25 @ Highland | 13 |
04/23/25 vs Highland | 12 |
04/14/25 @ Tulare Union | 10 |
04/14/25 vs Lompoc | 6 |
04/12/25 vs Coalinga | 10 |
+ 7 more games |
Destiny Serna was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 13 batters over eight innings while giving up four earned runs off eight hits (and not a single walk). She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in 12 consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.
Serna wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Aubrey Power, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one run and one double.
Meanwhile, Bakersfield Christian entered their tilt with Bakersfield on Friday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Drillers a 3-0 shutout.
The result came thanks to Anabell Hinojosa's shutout, as she gave up just a hit and racked up ten Ks.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Cailee Carr, who went 1-for-3 with three stolen bases and one RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Maddison Misuraca, who went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases and one run.
Independence now has a winning record of 9-8. As for Bakersfield Christian, their win bumped their record up to 17-8.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Independence has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Bakersfield Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Independence suffered a grim 9-3 defeat to Bakersfield Christian when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Can the Falcons avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.