Baseball Game Preview: Calistoga Wildcats vs. Tomales Braves

Calistoga and Tomales are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2019, but likely not for long. The Wildcats will head out to challenge the Braves at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Willits hit Calistoga with a nine-run first inning on Friday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Wildcats lost 13-1 to the Wolverines. Having soared to a lofty 14 runs in the game before, the Wildcats couldn't push the score so high this time.

Meanwhile, Tomales entered their tilt with Laytonville on Monday with three consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with four. They blew past the Warriors 15-5. The Braves' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

Nate Ballou was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one hit in six consecutive appearances. He was even better at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. Those three RBI gave him a new career-high.

In other batting news, Erick Tamez was a standout: he went a perfect 2-for-2 with four RBI, one stolen base, and one run. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Shaun Pelayo, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs and one stolen base.

Tomales always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .595. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.

Calistoga's defeat dropped their record down to 5-5. As for Tomales, the win got them back to even at 7-7.

Calistoga beat Tomales 6-2 when the teams last played on April 4th. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Wildcats since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.