WEEK 11: BIG SERIES OF THE WEEK
This year the Big Series of the week is brought to you by our friends at the Sho Me Collegiate League!
Jessup vs Hope International
Fullerton, California- A myriad of series were discussed this week for our “Big Series of the Week,” and ultimately, we find ourselves looking west again. Both Jessup and Hope International University (HIU) are vying for supremacy in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC), and it will come down to the wire. A series win for either side would give them a clear advantage in winning the regular-season title, with just one week of play remaining.Next week, Jessup will face last-placed Menlo (13-20), while HIU will take on fifth-placed Vanguard, who holds a narrow lead over The Master’s (CA) for the final spot in the GSAC tournament. A series split would keep HIU ahead of Jessup by mere percentage points heading into the final weekend of GSAC play.
HISTORY
Hope International leads the all-time series 23-13 over Jessup. HIU has not lost a series to Jessup since 2021, and in their last 10 games, HIU is 8-2 vs Jessup. When Jessup travels to southern California it has not gone well, the Warriors are 3-13 on the road in this series.
SCHEDULE- All times local
Friday, April 12th at 11a
Friday, April 12th at 2p
Saturday, April 13th at 11a
Saturday, April 13th at 2p
How to Watch
THE TEAMS
Hope International (28-9/14-3) boasts a team batting average of .319 this season, with 350 runs scored. Senior JJ Cruz leads the team with a .418 average and 47 hits on the season. Cruz has also driven in a team-high 47 runs, contributed 7 home runs, and racked up 24 total extra-base hits. The HIU pitching staff has a collective ERA of 4.40 in 321 innings pitched. Additionally, 10 pitchers have appeared in more than 10 games this season. Trey Seeley has been a standout performer for the Royals, posting a 6-2 record with a team-high 54 innings pitched and 80 strikeouts on the season. The Royals have utilized 20 different pitchers to record at least one out this season, with 14 of them throwing more than 10 innings. With a wealth of experienced arms, the Royals have options to turn to when needed, and they will certainly be tested this weekend.
Jessup (30-6/14-4) has been one of my favorite surprises of the season. On paper, they looked stacked in January, and they have lived up to those expectations. The team boasts a .337 batting average and has scored 351 runs this year. Trey Furrey has been on fire, maintaining a .516 average with 63 hits, 42 RBIs, more walks than strikeouts, and 14 home runs. The offense is potent and ranks among the best nationally. On the pitching side, the Warriors have a team ERA of 6.05, showcasing a mix of results from their arms. While Jessup’s offense is clearly elite, the ability of their pitching staff to sustain their success will be crucial in the long run. One pitcher to watch is Haliama Swartman. The sophomore held Vanguard to just two runs over six innings last week and boasts the best ERA among the team’s regular starters at 3.89.
STAFF PICKS
Robby- HIU
Conner- Jessup
Taylor- Jessup
Tyler- HIU
