The Yucca Valley Trojans are taking a road trip to challenge the Banning Broncos at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Yucca Valley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.1 runs per game this season.
Yucca Valley was handed a six-run defeat in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Monday. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Desert Hot Springs 4-3. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last five times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Aiden Shannon
| 03/16/26 vs Desert Hot Springs | 2 |
| 03/10/26 vs Coachella Valley | 2 |
| 02/24/26 @ Cathedral City | 2 |
The team relied heavily on Aiden Shannon, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with five stolen bases and two runs. He is becoming a predictor of Yucca Valley's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 0-4 when he doesn't). Landen Bradshaw also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Banning's found some homefield redemption this week after a overtime loss to Coachella Valley on Tuesday. The Broncos walked away with a 12-7 win over Rim of the World. The Broncos' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Nathan Cardiel made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two hits in five consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. That's the most runs he has posted since back in April of 2025.
In other batting news, Trevor Eisman was a standout: he went a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and two doubles. Those three hits gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Quintin Valdivia, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases and three runs.
The victory got Banning back to even at 3-3. As for Yucca Valley, their record is now 3-4.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Yucca Valley has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Banning struggles in that department as they've been averaging 5 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Yucca Valley might still be hurting after the 19-3 loss they got from Banning when the teams last played back in March of 2025. Can the Trojans avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
