The Tigers Start Strong
Game 1: May 2, 2025 - Reedley 3, San Mateo 1
The playoff series kicked off on May 2, 2025, with an intense game at San Mateo. Reedley held on to secure a 3-1 victory, with key contributions from their lineup and pitching staff.
San Mateo struck first in the opening inning when Luke Rossi his a solo home run, giving them a 1-0 lead. But Reedley quickly responded in the third inning. Marc-Anthony Carroll doubled, driving in Eli Garay to tie the game, and Tyler Tuckness followed with a single that scored Carroll, putting Reedley ahead 2-1. The score remained that way until the ninth inning when Owen Lindstrom singled home Kam Bowen to extend Reedley's lead to 3-1.
Reedley's pitching staff, led by Kiene Prendez, delivered a stellar performance. Prendez threw 7 innings, allowing only one earned run while striking out six. Cruz Cabral and Nolan Keene sealed the win in relief, holding San Mateo scoreless in the final two innings.
Bulldogs Bounce Back
Game 2: May 3, 2025 - San Mateo 13, Reedley 4
San Mateo bounced back in Game 2 with an offensive explosion, winning 13-4. The game was a display of powerful hitting as San Mateo tallied 19 hits.
San Mateo took an early 1-0 lead when Luke Rossi homered in the first inning. The real damage came in the second when San Mateo exploded for six runs, including a three-RBI double by Gianni Conte and a two-RBI single by Ethan Lopez. Reedley had a brief response in the second inning, with Jonathan Callison scoring on a fielder's choice, but they were unable to keep up with San Mateo's relentless offense.
In the third, San Mateo continued their dominance, adding another run. Reedley managed to score in the fourth, but it was too little, too late. The final blow came in the sixth inning when San Mateo scored six more runs, including a two-run homer by Aaron Babeav and a three-run shot by Dylan Hillman. A valiant effort however, from Reedley's hitters, who accumulated 12 hits..
AJ Minyard earned the win for San Mateo, throwing eight innings and allowing just three runs on 10 hits. The Reedley pitchers, including Francisco Espejo and Joe Morales, had a tough time to contain the San Mateo offense.
Tigers Fall Short in Slugfest.
Game 3: May 3, 2025 - San Mateo 15, Reedley 9
In an all-out slugfest, San Mateo sealed their series victory with a 15-9 comeback in the final game. The game was filled with wild offensive outbursts and critical moments.
San Mateo took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, with Charlie Welch driving in two runs. Reedley responded in the third inning with a three-run rally, capped off by Tyler Tuckness's three-run triple. But San Mateo regained control in the fifth inning with a huge three-run homer from Dylan Hillman, followed by a six-run outburst in the sixth. The floodgates opened as San Mateo capitalized on Reedley's defensive lapses and miscommunication.
Reedley mounted another comeback attempt in the seventh inning, narrowing the gap with a two-run double by Jonathan Callison and an RBI single by Caeden Chavez, but San Mateo continued to pile on runs. The game was effectively decided in the seventh, when the Bulldogs combined for four RBIs in the same frame to increase San Mateo's lead to 15-8.
Despite another strong performance from Reedley hitters—who put up 12 hits and scored nine runs--Individual performances from Reedley hitters like Tyler Tuckness and Caeden Chavez, However, San Mateo's offensive depth and pitching staff were too strong. The series provided thrilling moments for both teams, with home runs, clutch hits, and nail-biting rallies defining the contest.
Reedley Final Analysis
The Tigers played tough all year. They battled through some injury issues, showed character in some big comeback wins, and stayed focused to finish strong and qualify for playoffs for a 3rd consecutive year. Coach Pearse stated, "This was a really good group of guys, that worked well as team and had each other's back. I never had one discipline issue and they just loved to learn and get better".
In all it was another good baseball season for the Tigers. Playoffs are always good experience, and the hope is that the Freshmen will return with more experience and get a chance to go further next season. For the sophomores, we congratulate them on their success both on the field and in the classroom—and wish them all the best as they transfer on to in their endeavors. Once a Tiger…..always a Tiger!