Antelope is a perfect 3-0 against Laguna Creek since March of 2016 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Monday. The Titans will be taking part in a tournament against the Cardinals at 12:30 p.m. Antelope is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.8 runs per game this season.
Antelope took a eight-run defeat the last time they faced off against McClatchy, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Titans sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 3-1 win over the Lions on Friday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Titans have posted since April 26, 2024.
Tristan Hofferber
| 03/26/25 @ West Park | 5 |
| 02/25/25 @ Bradshaw Christian | 4 |
| 03/20/25 @ Grant | 2 |
| 02/12/25 vs Ponderosa | 2 |
Tristan Hofferber 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 seven Ks. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Antelope is undefeated when he allows at most one earned run, but 5-8 otherwise.
At the plate, Kaden Coates was excellent, scoring two runs while going 2-for-2. Antelope is undefeated when Coates posts two or more runs, but 6-8 otherwise. Braden Porter also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Meanwhile, Laguna Creek entered their tilt with Cosumnes Oaks on Friday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Wolfpack a 16-0 shutout.
Ian Larot was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit over five innings pitched. What's more, he posted five strikeouts, the most he's had since back in March. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 2-for-4.
In other batting news, Connor Elliott and Miles Scaife did most of the damage at the plate: Elliott went 2-for-3 with four RBI, two runs, and one double, while Scaife went a perfect 2-for-2 with two triples and three RBI. Those two triples gave Scaife a new career-high. Sam Stires was another key player, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3.
Laguna Creek always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .568. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Antelope's win was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 9-8. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Laguna Creek, the win got them back to even at 8-8.
Antelope's speedy runners might be the difference in Monday's game. The Titans have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.7 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Laguna Creek, though, as they've been averaging only 0.4 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Antelope continue to outrun the ball?
Antelope took their victory against Laguna Creek in their previous matchup back in April of 2019 by a conclusive 10-1 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Titans since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
