The Bennett Tigers will venture away from home to take on the Strasburg Indians at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Bennett is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.8 runs per game this season.
Bennett's pitching crew heads into the match hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Wednesday. They blew past Arrupe Jesuit 17-0. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Tigers.
Brody Hawes was a major factor no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Bennett is 3-1 when he allows at most three earned runs, but 6-7 otherwise. Hawes was also solid in the batter's box, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs and two RBI.
Dane Ortiz
| 04/10/25 @ Platte Canyon | 3 |
| 04/23/25 vs Arrupe Jesuit | 2 |
| 04/21/25 @ Jefferson | 2 |
| 04/14/25 vs Arvada | 1 |
| 04/05/25 @ University | 1 |
| + 4 more games |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Dane Ortiz, who went 2-for-3 with two runs, one double, and one RBI. He has become a key player for Bennett: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 6-8 otherwise. Rojelio Faudoa was another key player, going 1-for-2 with three RBI and one run.
Bennett kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. They are a perfect 4-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Strasburg was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 5-4 heartbreaker at the hands of Fort Morgan.
Jose Lopez made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-3 with three RBI and one double. That double was his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Erik Alamillo, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.
Bennett now has a winning record of 9-8. As for Strasburg, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-7.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Saturday as neither team is afraid to steal. Bennett has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 4.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Strasburg struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.7 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Bennett might still be hurting after the 12-6 loss they got from Strasburg when the teams last played back in May of 2024. Can the Tigers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
