MURRIETA – Vista Murrieta seems to be back on track. After dropping their first Southwestern League game of the season last week to Temecula Valley, the Broncos roared into this week with a dominant offensive performance, scoring 12 runs to claim a commanding victory over Great Oak in the first game of a three-game series.
The Broncos, who have won the Southwestern League for three straight seasons, set the tone against Temecula Valley early, with strong contributions from RJ Holmes and Derrick Kraus at the plate. Holmes continued his stellar form, going 2-for-4 while recording three stolen bases, two RBIs, and a double. Kraus was equally impactful, matching Holmes with a 2-for-4 performance that included four RBIs, a double, and a run scored. His four RBIs marked his highest total since February and proved critical to maintaining the Broncos’ offensive momentum.
Vista Murrieta’s Taytum Reeves also provided a lift, scoring twice, stealing a base, and going 1-for-3. The team’s overall batting average soared to an impressive .379 for the game, marking the third consecutive game in which they’ve improved in this area. Concrete evidence of improvement has never been clearer for the Broncos, as they continue to build confidence at the plate.
On the mound, Dylan Berentis delivered a commanding performance. Over 4.2 innings, he allowed just two earned runs on four hits while striking out four Golden Bear batters. With his four strikeouts, Berentis posted his highest tally since March, anchoring the Broncos’ defense and halting any potential comeback attempts from Temecula Valley.
Despite the defeat to start this week, there were notable contributions from Great Oak. Seniors Jordan Mitchell and Jaxon Valenzuela, along with sophomore Sam Pink, each recorded hits. Valenzuela, Gavin Fien, and Ryan Chamberlain also drove in runs for the Wolfpack. However, Great Oak’s efforts weren’t enough to slow Vista Murrieta’s relentless offensive pressure. Pitchers Reagan Ricken and Evan Hampton combined to allow 13 runs, one of the toughest outings of the season for Great Oak’s roster.
Southwestern League updates:Â
Elsewhere in the Southwestern League, Temecula Valley continued their strong run of form with a 6-1 victory over Chaparral, fueled by another impressive outing from pitcher Chase Hilt. Hilt threw another complete game, striking out eight and allowing just one earned run over seven innings. The Golden Bears’ offense was spearheaded by Isiah Rauseo and Ryan Recio, who collected two hits apiece.
Meanwhile, Murrieta Mesa broke through with their first league win of the season, edging past Murrieta Valley in a thrilling 5-4 contest. The victory was a much-needed morale boost for the Rams as they look to gain momentum in upcoming games.
All six teams will face off again in back-to-back matchups later this week, culminating in a highly anticipated Thursday game at Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore, the home turf of the Lake Elsinore Storm.
For Vista Murrieta, this resurgence is a statement at a crucial juncture in their season. With two wins to close out last week against Temecula Valley and a commanding start to this series with Great Oak, the Broncos are proving they’re a team to watch as the league race intensifies.
Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
