3/31/26
Ayala was everywhere for Norco in this one, starting at third base and putting together a perfect 4-for-4 day with 3 RBI, adding a double and three singles. I had seen him before on the mound last season as more of a pitcher, but seeing him in person as a position player made it clear the bat is a real weapon. He produced contact, he produced damage, and he looked comfortable doing it, the kind of hitter who keeps pressure on a defense every time he steps in. He showed athleticism and feel outside the box too, flashing the glove early with a smooth on-the-run throw after a bunt down the third base line, an effortless play that made things look easy. He moves well, looks like an above-average runner, and his overall actions at third were clean. Two-way athlete, impact bat in this look, and someone who can give Norco a real boost on both sides of the ball.