For the second straight game, Santa Monica will face off against Lawndale. The Vikings will head out on the road to challenge the Cardinals at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday. Santa Monica is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.6 runs per game this season.
While Santa Monica's victory against Lawndale wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. The Vikings narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past the Cardinals 2-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Vikings have posted since February 22nd.
Eddie Jennings spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on three hits and racked up nine Ks. He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than one earned run in seven consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Jaxson Ehlers, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one double and one RBI. That double was his first of the season. Brady Satinover was another key player, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 1-for-3.
Santa Monica hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least four batters in three consecutive games.
Santa Monica has been performing well recently as they've won eight of their last ten matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 13-6 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.3 runs on average over those games. As for Lawndale, their defeat dropped their record down to 13-6.
Thursday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Santa Monica has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .452. However, it's not like Lawndale struggles in that department as they've averaged .509. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
