THUNDERBIRDS PREVAIL THIS TIME

Posted April 1, 2026

April 1, 2026

Written by Lana Carlone

YUCAIPA: As the Wolves took on the Yucaipa High Thunderbirds for the second time this season, King was not quite as sharp as they were in game one, and Yucaipa took full advantage of it.

Yucaipa scored first in the third inning plating two runs on a walk and a pair of singles. The Wolves strung some singles together in the fourth to make it a 2-1 game but Yucaipa answered back in the 5th pushing the score to 3-1.

Back to back doubles in the 6th by Brooke Lebsock and Callie Portillo brought the game within one but that was all that the King offense could muster, stranding 6 runners, collecting 6 hits and striking out 6 times during the contest. King’s offense was led by junior third baseman Jace Margaritis  who finished 2-3 on the day. Ryder Bishop took the loss for the Wolves giving up 3 runs on 5 hits in 4 innings of work.

As much as we needed spring break, in some ways we hated to halt the momentum. We knew it might take a day or two to pick up where we left off and today proved that. Yucaipa came out swinging and played a great game against us. We never really got out of first gear and it cost us, but sometimes we need to feel that sting to keep us grounded and hungry. We will learn from this as we quickly reset to kick off our first game in the prestigious Carew Classic Wednesday at 3 at Peralta Park against Orange Lutheran.