Friday’s high school baseball clash in Marin County brings the Novato Hornets back up against the San Marin Mustangs. It’s their second meeting this season.
First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m. Friday. The game unfolds right in the heart of Northern California’s rugged coast range, and honestly, it’s shaping up to be a classic pitchers’ duel.
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Novato’s pitching staff has been tough to crack, and they’re hoping to keep their early-season momentum rolling. San Marin, meanwhile, comes in hungry—maybe even a little desperate—to prove they can bounce back in this always-competitive Marin County league.
Preview: a pitchers’ duel with flashes of power
Novato’s rolling into the milder stretch of spring with a stingy **1.8 earned runs per game** allowed. That’s a big reason they’re sitting at **5-1** through the first chunk of the season.
Last time these two teams met, Novato showed why people call them one of Marin County’s toughest defenses. San Marin kept it close, though, dropping a 2-0 shutout but refusing to go quietly.
This weekend, everyone’s watching Novato’s pitching and their knack for timely hits. That’s been their formula, and they’re not likely to mess with what’s working—especially against a San Marin lineup that’s still searching for its groove.
On the flip side, San Marin’s had a rougher go lately. They’ve lost four of their last five and have dropped to **2-5**.
Still, there’s a sense of urgency in that dugout. Marin County baseball can turn fast—sometimes all it takes is a couple of big swings to flip the story.
Both teams have flashed some power, too. Novato averages **0.5 home runs per game**; San Marin’s right behind at **0.4**.
Early runs could come from a blast over the fence or a well-timed bunt, depending on how the pitchers handle the pressure.
Fans should expect a real pitchers’ duel but with the occasional slugging threat. Every at-bat and baserunning choice could feel huge, whether they’re playing in San Rafael or Novato.
In their last matchup, JP Harmon took the ball for Novato and just dominated—one hit allowed, eight strikeouts, and a shutout to his name.
That game really showed off the Hornets’ pitching depth and their ability to stay cool in big moments. Cohen Garcia chipped in, too, going 1-for-1 with an RBI in a tidy, efficient offensive effort that kept San Marin guessing.
Key players and statistics to watch
- Novato’s pitching stinginess: The Hornets have allowed just 1.8 runs per game. That number’s become a badge of honor for their staff all over Marin County.
- JP Harmon’s dominance in the last meeting: Harmon gave up only one hit and struck out eight. His shutout effort fired up the Novato defense and bullpen.
- Offensive contributions in tight games: Cohen Garcia went 1-for-1 with an RBI in an earlier win. Several other players chipped in with hits during that game, too.
- HR pace from both sides: Novato averages 0.5 home runs per game, while San Marin sits at 0.4. It wouldn’t be shocking if a couple of long balls shift the energy on a chilly Marin County night.
- Season records heading into Friday: Novato stands at 5-1, and San Marin is 2-5. Just a few wins or losses can flip the standings in this local league.
For folks around Marin County, this game isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a neighborhood gathering, where families from Novato, San Rafael, Mill Valley, and Larkspur all show up and fill the stands.
Local boosters will be watching every pitch and every swing, hoping their team puts on a show as spring sports take over the county parks and school fields.
Note: Friday’s game should have that classic Marin County vibe—cars lining the streets, scouts chatting behind the backstop, and the familiar rivalry that makes Novato vs. San Marin baseball a highlight in 2024.
Here is the source article for this story: Baseball Game Preview: Novato Hornets vs. San Marin Mustangs
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