On February 24, Redwood JV took on Casa Grande in the first game of the season (non-conference), in what turned out to be a great pitching duel. For Redwood, Oliver Pearson notched 12 strikeouts in six innings, and closer Blake Cusick whiffed all three of the batters he faced in a perfect seventh inning. Unfortunately, Casa Grande took full advantage of the few hits they were able to put together, plating two runs in the third inning. Redwood’s offense was limited but showed some promise, including Sean McKenna’s third inning single to get things rolling and his reaching first safely on a CG error in the fifth inning, which led to his stealing third and then taking home on a wild pitch for Redwood’s only run. Other notable offensive performances were Dane Goodman’s long double in the fourth, Mackie Skall’s single in the sixth, Josh Katz’s well-executed sacrifice bunt in the fifth that helped lead to McKenna’s eventual run, and Nick P-K’s gritty 8-pitch battle to stay alive in the seventh. Unfortunately, these moments didn’t happen close enough together to put together the runs needed for a win. Given Redwood’s solid pitching and defense, once the bats come alive, they are sure to be a force to be reckoned with. The next game is away at Petaluma and the Giants are looking to even their record!