The Tehachapi Warriors will take on the Tulare Western Mustangs in a tournament on Tuesday.
Tehachapi came into this matchup off a tough ten-run loss on Monday. This time they kept things ultra-competitive, but unfortunately the final result was the same. They fell just short of Kingsburg by a score of 8-6 on Monday. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest defeat the Warriors have suffered since March 3rd.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Tulare Western). They were the clear victors by a 13-3 margin over Bakersfield on Monday. Winning may never get old, but the Mustangs sure are getting used to it with their fifth in a row.
Grant Crawford was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching six innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits. Tulare Western is 4-1 when Crawford allows three or fewer earned runs, but 3-4-1 otherwise. Crawford was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs. That's the most runs he has posted since back in May of 2025.
In other batting news, Nathan Gonzalez was incredible, going 2-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. He has become a key player for Tulare Western: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 4-5-1 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Blake Tinker, who went 2-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Tulare Western kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That's a new trend for them: they were averaging 5.5 hits per game earlier this season, but in their last 15 contests they've averaged 10.8.
Tehachapi has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 7-9 record this season. As for Tulare Western, their record now sits at 7-5-1.
Tehachapi got the 'W' in their previous matchup back in February of 2025 against Tulare Western by a conclusive 17-2 score. Will the Warriors repeat their success, or do the Mustangs have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
