Chico is 2-8 against Pleasant Valley since May of 2022 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Tuesday. The Panthers will welcome the Vikings at 4:00 p.m. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Chico comes in on 14 and Pleasant Valley on three.
Chico will bounce into Tuesday's game after beating Foothill, who they had gone 2-7 against in their nine prior meetings. The Panthers came out on top against the Cougars by a score of 9-5 on Tuesday.
McKena Harvey
| 05/12/26 @ Foothill | 12 |
| 05/05/26 vs Pleasant Valley | 6 |
| 05/01/26 @ Red Bluff | 7 |
| 04/28/26 vs Shasta | 5 |
| 04/24/26 vs Fernley | 10 |
| + 6 more games |
McKena Harvey made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 12 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and four unearned) runs off six hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent for a while: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in 11 consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two runs, two doubles, and one RBI. That's the most doubles she has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Leah Cawthon, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI and one run. Another player making a difference was Addi Hosier, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Chico was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .394. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Foothill only posted a batting average of .214.
Meanwhile, it can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but Pleasant Valley had no problem doing just that on Friday. They never let the Cardinals get on the board and left with a 12-0 win. The Vikings might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 12 contests by six runs or more this season.
Like Chico, Pleasant Valley also got a great game from a two-way player: Rylie Bumgarner. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. Bumgarner was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with one stolen base and two RBI.
In other batting news, Lily Thurman was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three doubles, three RBI, and two runs. Holly Baxter was another key player, going 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI.
Chico's victory bumped their record up to 22-5. As for Pleasant Valley, their win bumped their record up to 18-9.
Tuesday's matchup will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Chico hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .335. However, it's not like Pleasant Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .329. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Chico came out on top in a nail-biter against Pleasant Valley when the teams last played last Tuesday, sneaking past 2-1. Do the Panthers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Vikings turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
