The Anthem Prep Eagles will head out on the road to take on the Valley Lutheran Flames at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Anthem Prep is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 11.1 runs per game this season.
Anthem Prep's pitching crew heads into the game hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Tuesday. They put the hurt on Antelope with a sharp 8-0 victory. The win continues a trend for the Eagles in their matchups with the Rams: they've now won seven in a row.
Jaxon MacHugh
| 03/25/25 @ Bagdad | 5 |
| 04/04/25 vs Desert Heights Prep | 4 |
| 04/09/25 vs Lincoln Prep | 3 |
| 03/03/25 @ Desert Heights Prep | 2 |
Jaxon MacHugh was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out nine over six innings pitched. He also tossed no walks, which is notable because Anthem Prep is 2-1 when he allows at most one walk, but 3-6 otherwise. MacHugh was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one triple, one run, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Matthew Starr was incredible, going 2-for-4 with three RBI, one triple, and one stolen base. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last six games he's played. Another player making a difference was Aidan Wherley, who scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Valley Lutheran lost 18-1 to Hayden on Wednesday.
Valley Lutheran saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Brennan Larson, who went 1-for-2 with one double and one RBI. Israel Navarro also deserves some recognition as he scored his first run of the season.
Anthem Prep's victory bumped their record up to 5-7. As for Valley Lutheran, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Anthem Prep has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.3 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Valley Lutheran struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Everything went Anthem Prep's way against Valley Lutheran in their previous matchup back in April of 2018, as Anthem Prep made off with a 10-2 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Eagles since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
