Hoover extended their losing streak (dating back to last season) to 21 on Friday, dropping them down to 0-20. They were two runs away from ending the streak, but they lost an 8-6 heartbreaker at the hands of the McLane Highlanders. The Patriots were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Highlanders apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in May of 2025.
Sebastian Perez made the most of his time in the batter's box despite the final result and went a perfect 4-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and one double. Another player making a difference was Kam AcFalle, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
As for McLane, their victory was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 12-10-1. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win they have posted since March 17th.
On McLane's side, Andrew Garcia was a major factor no matter where he played. On the mound, he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Garcia is becoming a predictor of McLane's success: when he allows at most one hit the team is 3-0-1 (and 9-10 when he doesn't). Garcia was even better at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three stolen bases, three RBI, and one run. That's the most hits he has posted since back in March.
In other pitching news, Gio Morales tossed a big game, pitching 4.1 innings while giving up just one earned run off five hits.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Francisco Aleman, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases, one run, and one double. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in March of 2025. The team also got some help courtesy of Aaron Silva, who went 1-for-3 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming contests. Hoover will venture away from home to challenge Edison at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The Patriots' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Tigers have averaged an impressive 7.9 runs per game this season. As for McLane, they will head out to take on Madera South at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
