The Hoover Patriots will challenge the Roosevelt Rough Riders at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Hoover will be looking to extend their current six-game winning streak.
If Hoover beats Roosevelt with 11 runs on Friday, it's going to be the squad's new lucky number: they've won their past two matchups with that exact score. The Patriots didn't even let Fresno on the board on Tuesday, marking the Patriots' second-straight 11-0 shutout. Considering the Patriots have won six games by more than seven runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Hazel Martinez made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out 12 over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Samantha Vasquez was excellent, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs and two RBI. Alyssa Nieto was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two RBI and one double.
Hoover hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters in eight consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Roosevelt beat Madera South 13-9 on Tuesday.
Like Hoover, Roosevelt also got a great game from a two-way player: Iyanna Molano. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit while striking out eight over five innings pitched. Molano was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with three RBI, two runs, and two doubles. That's the most doubles she has posted since back in March.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Lenna Garcia, who went 2-for-5 with two runs, two doubles, and one RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Arianna Arredondo, who went 2-for-5 with two runs, one triple, and one double.
Roosevelt's victory ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 10-11. As for Hoover, their win bumped their record up to 10-5.
Hoover took their victory against Roosevelt in their previous matchup on April 8th by a conclusive 13-1 score. Will the Patriots repeat their success, or do the Rough Riders have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
