Parma is 1-9 against Homedale since April of 2021 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Saturday. The Panthers will head out to challenge the Trojans at 12:00 p.m. Parma has given up an average of 8.7 runs per game this season, but Saturday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Parma is headed into Saturday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game on Friday. They lost 17-7 to Weiser.
Ethan Obenchain
| 04/04/25 vs Weiser | 2 |
| 03/22/25 vs Horizon Christian | 2 |
| 03/15/25 vs South Fremont | 2 |
| 04/02/25 vs Nampa Christian | 1 |
| 04/01/25 vs Marsing | 1 |
| + 2 more games |
Ethan Obenchain was huge no matter where he played even without the win. He tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs off four hits. What's more, he gave up only zero earned runs, the fewest he's had since back in March. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances. He has become a key player for Parma: the team is 2-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 2-6 otherwise.
In other batting news, Samuel Hultman made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored two runs and stole three bases while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances. He is becoming a predictor of Parma's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 3-1 (and 1-6 when he doesn't). The team also got some help courtesy of Kaydn Brenneck, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with one stolen base and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Homedale faced Cole Valley Christian in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Wednesday. The Trojans came up short against the Chargers, falling 13-6. It was the first time this season that the Trojans let down their fans at home.
Homedale saw eight different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Xavier Uranga, who scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. Wylee Bidiman also deserves some recognition as he hit his first triple of the season.
This is the second loss in a row for Homedale and nudges their season record down to 8-2. As for Parma, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-7.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Parma has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Homedale struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 6.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Parma suffered a grim 16-6 defeat to Homedale in their previous meeting back in May of 2024. Can the Panthers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
