The Rubidoux Falcons will face off against the Twentynine Palms Wildcats at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the two teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Having struggled with 16 defeats in a row dating back to last season, Rubidoux turned things around against Indian Springs on Thursday. They came out on top against the COYOTES by a score of 15-10. The Falcons' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Alex Jimenez was a major factor no matter where he played. He tossed 5.2 innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits. Jimenez was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring three runs and stealing four bases while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances. Those runs were his first of the season.
Emilio Jimenez
| 02/27/25 @ Indian Springs | 2 |
| 04/16/24 @ Indian Springs | 1 |
| 04/09/24 vs San Bernardino | 1 |
| 03/12/24 @ Pacific | 1 |
| 03/05/24 vs Indian Springs | 1 |
In other batting news, Rubidoux let Jacob Navarette and Emilio Jimenez run wild. Navarette scored three runs and stole three bases while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances, while Jimenez scored a run and stole five bases while going 2-for-4. The dominant performance also gave Jimenez a new career-high in RBI (two). Another player making a difference was Carlos Encinas, who scored two runs and stole two bases while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
Rubidoux always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .533. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Twentynine Palms put another one in the bag on Tuesday to keep their perfect season alive. They were the clear victor by a 10-1 margin over Desert Christian Academy. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last four times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Anthony Gabriel was incredible, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, one triple, and one stolen base. Jandell Jiminez was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3.
Rubidoux's first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-5. As for Twentynine Palms, their win bumped their record up to 3-0.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Rubidoux has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Twentynine Palms struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
