Baseball Game Preview: Riverside Christian Crusaders vs. Walla Walla Valley Academy Knights

Crusaders

Runs

04/01/25 @ Highland	8
03/25/25 vs Wahluke	18
03/25/25 vs Wahluke	18
03/18/25 @ White Swan	1

The Riverside Christian Crusaders will head out to take on the Walla Walla Valley Academy Knights at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Riverside Christian is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 11.2 runs per game this season.

Riverside Christian fought the good fight in their extra-innings contest against Highland on Tuesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Scots by a score of 9-8. The loss continues a trend for the Crusaders in their meetings with the Scots: they've now lost four in a row.

Bryce Carney was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. He struck out six batters over 2.1 innings while giving up just one earned run but no hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one hit any time he's pitched this season. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI.

In other batting news, Sergio Velazquez made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored two runs and stole seven bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. Josh Dominguez was another key player, scoring a run and stealing four bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.

Meanwhile, Tuesday just wasn't the day for Walla Walla Valley Academy's offense. They came up short against DeSales on Tuesday, falling 18-0. The defeat leaves the Knights still looking for their first win of the season.

Riverside Christian's record now sits at 2-2. As for Walla Walla Valley Academy, their record is now 0-4.

Riverside Christian's speedy runners might be the difference in Friday's game. The Crusaders have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 10.2 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Walla Walla Valley Academy, though, as they've been averaging only 1.2 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Riverside Christian continue to outrun the ball?

Riverside Christian suffered a grim 17-4 defeat to Walla Walla Valley Academy in their previous matchup back in March of 2019. Can the Crusaders avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.