The Highland Prep West HORNETS will venture away from home to challenge the Glendale Prep Academy Griffins at 3:45 p.m. on Monday. Highland Prep West has given up an average of 10.5 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Highland Prep West came up short against Mohave Accelerated on Friday, falling 15-5. The HORNETS have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Mateo Espinoza was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-3. Michael Silvas also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Meanwhile, Glendale Prep Academy hadn't done well against Scottsdale Preparatory Academy recently (they were 1-7-1 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Saturday. The Griffins put the hurt on the Spartans with a sharp 16-5 victory. The result was nothing new for the Griffins, who have now won six games by ten runs or more so far this season.
Eli Marsh made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he tossed six innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off seven hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-5 with four RBI and one double. Those four RBI gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Glendale Prep Academy let Nathaniel Jensen and Casey Kim run wild. Jensen scored three runs and stole three bases while going 1-for-4, while Kim scored two runs and stole two bases while getting on base in all five of his plate appearances. Jensen has been hot, having posted at least one stolen base the last seven times he's played. Another player making a difference was Corbin Kim, who scored three runs while going 3-for-4.
Glendale Prep Academy hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Scottsdale Preparatory Academy struck out seven times.
Glendale Prep Academy's win was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 9-1. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.8 runs over those games. As for Highland Prep West, their loss dropped their record down to 3-8.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Highland Prep West has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .439. However, it's not like Glendale Prep Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .505. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.
