The Redwood Rangers will head out to face off against the Monache Marauders at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Both teams are coming into the match red-hot, with Redwood sitting on three straight victories and Monache on four.
Monache's hitters are going to have their work cut out for them on Thursday: Redwood hadn't allowed a single run the last three times they've hit the field. The Rangers blew past Porterville 6-0 on Tuesday. The result was nothing new for the Rangers, who have now won nine games by six runs or more so far this season.
Porterville's batters probably weren't too happy with Reagan King, who pitched a no hitter and racked up eight Ks (she gave up zero walks). King has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 12 consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Kenzie Cantu, who fired off two home runs while going 3-for-4. Those two home runs gave her a new career-high. Jaden Lopez was another key player, going 3-for-4 with one RBI.
They weren't the only ones working in the home run department: Redwood lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.
Monache came out on top against El Diamante on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive four-run seventh inning. The Marauders walked away with a 7-2 win over the Miners. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since April 13, 2023, but that streak is no more.
Jaydin Sabol was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run, two RBI, and one double. Another player making a difference was Devynn Emerson, who went 2-for-4 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Redwood's victory was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 15-6-1. Those road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.3 runs over those games. As for Monache, their record now sits at 12-4-1.
Thursday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Redwood hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .342. However, it's not like Monache struggles in that department as they've averaged .350. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Redwood was able to grind out a solid victory over Monache in their previous meeting on April 8th, winning 3-0. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Rangers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
