Baseball Game Preview: Thompson Valley Eagles vs. Northridge Grizzlies

For the second straight game, Thompson Valley will face off against Northridge. The Eagles will be playing at home against the Grizzlies at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Thompson Valley is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.1 runs per game this season.

Thompson Valley had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 12-run drubbing they dealt Northridge on Saturday. The Eagles blew past the Grizzlies 18-6. The Eagles haven't had any issues with the Grizzlies recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.

Drae Balke

Batters Struck Out (Career)

04/12/25 @ Northridge	6
03/11/25 @ Frederick	5
04/02/24 @ Northridge	1
03/11/24 vs Holy Family	1

Drae Balke looked comfortable as he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out six over four innings pitched. Those six strikeouts gave him a new career-high.

At the plate, Evan Raabe was a standout: he went 3-for-4 with one home run, two triples, and five RBI. What's more, he posted three runs, the most he's had since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Beau Heaton, who scored four runs and stole two bases while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances.

Thompson Valley always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .590. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Northridge only posted an OBP of .333.

The win got Thompson Valley back to even at 5-5. As for Northridge, they are on a 12-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 0-12.

Northridge's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Thompson Valley hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .346. It's a different story for Northridge, though, as they've only averaged .235. Will they be able to contain Thompson Valley's hitters? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.