The Oakland Tech Bulldogs will challenge the Castro Valley Trojans at 2:30 p.m. on Friday. Oakland Tech is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they’ve averaged 8.6 runs per game this season.
Oakland Tech fought the good fight in their extra-innings game against Arroyo on Thursday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell just short of the Dons by a score of 7-6. The Bulldogs’ defeat continues a trend for the squad, making it three in a row.
Oakland Tech handed starting duties to Ben Weade, who gave a strong showing despite the result: he struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up four earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits.
Elijah Rucker
03/06/26 @ De Anza302/21/26 vs Washington303/19/26 @ Arroyo203/11/26 vs Hercules203/18/26 vs Head-Royce1+ 1 more games
On the hitting side, Elijah Rucker made the most of his time in the batter’s box despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double. Oakland Tech is 3-1 when Rucker posts two or more runs, but 1-3 otherwise. Sebastian Godinez was another key player, going 1-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Castro Valley can bid farewell to their four-game losing streak thanks to their game on Wednesday. Everything went their way against West as they made off with an 8-1 win. The result was nothing new for the Trojans, who have now won four matchups by seven runs or more so far this season.
Andrew Mu?oz looked comfortable as he didn’t allow a single earned run while striking out six over four innings pitched. Those six strikeouts gave him a new career-high.
At the plate, Aidan Hackbarth was incredible, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. That triple marked the first that he has hit this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Ryan Autio, who got on base in all three of his plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base.
Castro Valley hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as West struck out 11 times.
The victory got Castro Valley back to even at 5-5. As for Oakland Tech, their loss dropped their record down to 4-4.
Friday’s contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Oakland Tech has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .453. However, it’s not like Castro Valley struggles in that department as they’ve averaged .449. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Oakland Tech might still be hurting after the 20-3 defeat they got from Castro Valley when the teams last played back in March of 2025. Will the Bulldogs have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.