Valley Christian is 0-10 against Whittier Christian since April of 2019 but things could change on Thursday. The Defenders will challenge the Heralds at 3:15 p.m. Valley Christian's pitching crew has only allowed 3.7 runs per game this season, so Whittier Christian's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Valley Christian will roll into the contest after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up one run on Tuesday, then bounced right back against Heritage Christian on Thursday. The Defenders put the hurt on the Warriors with a sharp 12-0 victory. The result was nothing new for the Defenders, who have now won nine matchups by ten runs or more so far this season.
Rachel Zhang tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits over five innings pitched.
At the plate, Kayla Martin was a standout: she went 2-for-3 with three RBI, two doubles, and one run. That's the most doubles she has posted since back in April of 2024. Jewel Malae also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
Valley Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .571. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Heritage Christian only posted an OBP of .263.
Meanwhile, Whittier Christian had already won three in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 6.7 runs) and they went ahead and made it four last Saturday. They walked away with a 5-1 win over the Spartans.
Sofia Gonzalez spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned run on two hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Sofia Hernandez was incredible, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with one triple, two RBI, and one run. Joy Jung was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Valley Christian's record now sits at 13-4-1. As for Whittier Christian, their record is now 20-5.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Valley Christian has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .481. However, it's not like Whittier Christian struggles in that department as they've averaged .447. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Valley Christian couldn't quite finish off Whittier Christian in their previous matchup on April 8th and fell 3-1. Can the Defenders avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
