The Benjamin Franklin Chargers will challenge the San Tan Foothills Sabercats at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.
On Thursday, Benjamin Franklin made easy work of Tonopah Valley and carried off a 12-2 victory. Considering the Chargers have won six contests by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Talan Speir
| 04/17/25 vs Tonopah Valley | 11 |
| 03/31/25 vs ALA - Ironwood | 9 |
| 03/25/25 vs Payson | 9 |
| 04/08/25 vs Northwest Christian | 5 |
| 03/04/25 vs San Tan Charter | 3 |
Talan Speir was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out 11 batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off four hits (and only one walk). Benjamin Franklin is undefeated when Speir posts eight or more strikeouts, but 7-9-1 otherwise. Speir was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs.
In other batting news, Jono Wilcox was incredible, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with three RBI, two runs, and one triple. Owen Fierstein was another key player, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.
Benjamin Franklin always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .581. The last time their OBP was this high was back in April of 2024.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask San Tan Foothills). They were the clear victors by a 17-7 margin over ALA - Anthem South on Friday. The Sabercats haven't had any issues with the Titans recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.
Nik Lobanov looked comfortable as he pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in eight consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Layton McCombs, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, three runs, and two doubles. Those three hits gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Cody Tipple, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with three RBI, two runs, and one stolen base.
Benjamin Franklin's victory ended a three-game drought at home and bumped them up to 10-9-1. As for San Tan Foothills, they picked up their first home win, bumping their record up to 5-15.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Monday as neither team is afraid to steal. Benjamin Franklin has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.1 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like San Tan Foothills struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Benjamin Franklin took their victory against San Tan Foothills in their previous matchup back in March by a conclusive 12-1 score. Do the Chargers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Sabercats turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
